The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 league-defeat to Cadiz last weekend, while Athletic Bilbao lost to Osasuna with an identical scoreline in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final in the mid-week.
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Rayo Vallecano will host Athletic Bilbao in a La Liga fixture at Estadio de Vallecas on Sunday evening. The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 league-defeat to Cadiz last weekend, while Athletic Bilbao lost to Osasuna with an identical scoreline in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final in the mid-week. Rayo are currently occupying sixth spot in the Spanish top flight standings, having collected 34 points from 23 games, eight adrift of the top four. The visitors, meanwhile, are sitting three places behind the Vallecans, separated by just two points.
⚡️ 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗼!
🔙 Last season at Vallecas… 💥#RayoAthletic #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/0ZiqPfCPvl
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) March 4, 2023
Rayo have had a stunning top flight season thus far, having recorded nine wins, seven draws and seven defeats. Last time out, Andoni Iraola’s side lost to Cadiz courtesy of Sergio Navaro’s lone goal in the second half. Meanwhile their last win came against Almeria (2-0) at home on February 7, thanks to Rodrigo Ely’s 54th-minute own goal and Alvaro Rivera’s effort, ten minutes later. The Red Sashes have a pretty good record at home, having picked up 18 points from 11 matches in front of their own supporters.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, have had mixed success on their travels this season, winning three, drawing three and losing five of their 11 league games to collect 12 points. Athletic’s previous top flight match against Girona last Sunday ended in a defeat, despite the fact that Yuri Berchiche and Raul Garcia got on the scoresheet. Three days later, Ernesto Valverde’s side lost to Osasuna in the away leg of their Copa del Rey fixture, courtesy of Abde Ezzalzouli’s 47th-minute effort. Meanwhile, the reverse fixture against Vallecans in September ended 3-2 in favour of the Lions, courtesy of first-half goals from Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet and Neco Williams.
.Athletic defender Alejandro Catena is out with a red card suspension, therefore Esteban Saveljich could come into the starting eleven, joining Lejeune at the heart of the defence. Sergio Camello might spearhead the attack, with Trejo operating behind him in a free role. As for Athletic Bilbao, Yeray Alvarez is suspended following his booking against Girona, while Jon Morcillo, Unai Simon and Ander Herrera are sidelined with injuries.
Rayo Vallecano probable line-up:Dimitrievski, Balliu, Lejeune, Savelijich, F Garcia, Comesana, Valentin, Palazon, Trejo, Martin, Camello
Athletic Bilbao Probable line-up: Agirrezabala, De Marcos, Vivian, I Martinez, Yuri, D Garcia, Vesga, N Williams, Sancet, I Williams, Guruzeta
Rayo Vallecano
| Opponents | Score |
| Cadiz | 1-0 (L) |
| Sevilla | 1-1 (D) |
| Getafe | 1-1 (D) |
| Almeria | 2-0 (W) |
| Villarreal | 0-1 (W) |
Athletic Bilbao
| Opponents | Score |
| Osasuna | 1-0 (L) |
| Girona | 2-3 (L) |
| Atletico Madrid | 1-0 (L) |
| Valencia | 1-2 (W) |
| Cadiz | 4-1 (W) |
| Last 5 match-results | Score |
| Athletic Bilbao beat Rayo Vallecano | 3-2 |
| Athletic Bilbao beat Rayo Vallecano | 0-1 |
| Rayo Vallecano beat Athletic Bilbao | 1-2 |
| Athletic Bilbao beat Rayo Vallecano | 3-2 |
| Rayo Vallecano draw Athletic Bilbao | 1-1 |
The La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao will take place at Estadio de Vallecas on Sunday at 11:00 pm IST.
| Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao | Key Details |
| Date | March 5 |
| Venue | Estadio de Vallecas |
| Kickoff time in Spain | 6:30 pm |
| Kickoff time in India | 11:00 pm |
The live telecast of the La Liga matches in India is available on Sports 18 network and MTV. Fans will also be able to live stream through Jio TV. Besides, the match between Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao can also be seen on Movistar + network in Spain.
