Rayo Vallecano vs. Atlético Madrid: Preview and betting tips

Monday’s football programme features a match between Rayo Vallecano and Atlético Madrid. The home team is one of the three teams with a 100% record after two rounds, while the visitors are also undefeated. What to expect from the match?

Vallecano are having a surprisingly dreamy start to the season. Although it has played twice away (Almeria and Granada), it won both times by two goals. It has not done so well in preparation, winning only one of its five games.

Atlético also beat Granada at home, but then failed to overcome a tougher draw and drew at Betis. They beat Numancio 2-0 in the following friendly, so they seem to be in good shape for the third round.

Vallecano’s key figures

Isi Palazón is a long-time mainstay for the home side, the Spanish winger netted nine goals and assisted five times last season. At 37, striker Radamel Falcao, a legend of Colombian football, is still part of the squad.

Atlético’s key figures

Jan Oblak shines in the visitors’ goal, the Slovenian goalkeeper is already considered a club legend. Other names worth mentioning are striker Alvaro Morata or French offensive midfielder Antoine Griezmann.

What to expect and what to bet on?

Rayo are not doing too well in attack, scoring more than once in only three of their last eight games. Last year, it scored only 45 goals in 38 rounds.

Atlético played a friendly against Numancia on Thursday and confirmed that the defence is working. It has scored only three goals in the past six games, part of a series that included a 2-1 triumph over Manchester City in the preliminary round.

Considering the offensive woes of Rayo, the contrary form of Atlético’s defensive and the fact that Diego Simeone handles similar games with outsiders, I think Madrid will win away.

Bettingtip l Atlético to win at odds of 2.04