Atletico Madrid – Rayo Vallecano

Atletico Madrid head into their home fixture against Rayo Vallecano perched in fourth place with ten points from three wins, a draw and a single loss, boasting a +4 goal difference after netting ten and conceding six. Rayo, languishing in the relegation‑watch zone at 16th with just four points from one win, one draw and three defeats, will be desperate to close a worrying -6 gap, having scored eight while letting in 14. The clash pits a side that has been solid both defensively and offensively against a team that will need to tighten up at the back if they hope to climb out of the bottom half. Historically, the two have met frequently in La Liga, and the recent form suggests Atlético will look to extend their advantage and solidify a top‑four push, while Rayo will be fighting for any points to keep survival hopes alive.