Rayo Vallecano will head into this weekend’s match brimming with confidence after securing their first home win of the 2024/25 La Liga season. Iñigo Pérez’s squad delivered an impressive 3-1 victory over Osasuna at Vallecas, a game that also marked the debut of former Real Madrid star James Rodríguez.
While the first half was rather uneventful, the second half came alive as Rayo shifted gears and took control.
Emotions ran high when Andrei Rațiu, who netted Rayo’s second goal in the 66th minute, dedicated it to his daughter, saying, “I dedicate this to her, because she always greets me like that.”
Although Osasuna took an early lead with a 27th-minute strike from Raúl García, it wasn’t enough. A stoppage-time goal from Unai García in the 95th minute sealed the 3-1 triumph for the hosts.
The win provided a much-needed boost, moving Rayo up to 10th in the table. This weekend, they’ll face Atlético Madrid—the second team from Spain’s top three they’ve encountered so far this season, having narrowly lost 2-1 to Barcelona a few weeks back.
Atlético de Madrid enter the game carrying high expectations. While Real Madrid and Barcelona often steal the headlines, Atlético has made waves this summer with significant investments, bringing in Robin Le Normand, Conor Gallagher, and Julián Álvarez. These signings have set the bar high, but so far, Atlético remains unbeaten after five matches, positioning themselves as serious contenders.
Atlético were tested midweek by RB Leipzig when Benjamin Šeško scored at the Metropolitano. However, Antoine Griezmann’s equalizer ensured a 1-1 draw. In La Liga, Griezmann has been slow to make an impact this season, but Conor Gallagher has quickly won over fans.
Gallagher’s commitment and willingness to sacrifice for Diego Simeone’s defensive system have made him an instant hit. It’s rare for English players to adapt so seamlessly to La Liga, but Gallagher seems to be the exception, embodying everything that makes an Atlético player.
Bet hereRayo’s confidence, combined with the support of the Vallecas crowd, should make this a much more competitive fixture than previous meetings. Atlético, however, will be wary after a tough Champions League draw against RB Leipzig.
One concern for Rayo is the potential absence of Alfonso Espino due to injury. Still, Rayo’s strength lies in their ability to storm the flanks, and they’ll look to capitalize on that.
The big question is whether James Rodríguez, who debuted against Osasuna, will start, and if so, how Pérez will adjust the team’s structure to accommodate him.
Until now, Rayo hasn’t faced many top-tier opponents – apart from Barcelona – making this match a significant challenge.
Conor Gallagher’s tireless defensive work will pose problems for Rayo, particularly when it comes to executing their rapid transitions on the wings, a tactic that worked well against Osasuna. Pérez and his staff will need to consider their approach carefully.
Neither team will be satisfied with a draw, so expect a dynamic, end-to-end match. Rayo will likely dominate the wings, with James Rodríguez offering an additional offensive threat if he comes off the bench. The home crowd at Vallecas will be vocal, creating a charged atmosphere.
While Atlético might not match Rayo’s pace on the flanks, they’ll be equally determined to claim the win. Griezmann and Gallagher will be crucial for Atlético, especially in the absence of Pablo Barrios, who’s sidelined due to injury.
A goalless draw seems highly unlikely because Atlético has only failed to score once this season (0-0 against Espanyol).
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