La Liga Regular Season - 2
Athletic Club 1 - 0 FT Rayo Vallecano
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
Andrei Rațiu 22'
Unai López 23'
HT
46' ↓ M. Sannadi ↑O. Sancet
↓ U. Lopez ↑G. Gumbau 55'
↓ P. Diaz ↑F. Perez 55'
64' Oihan Sancet
66' O. Sancet
67' ↓ I. Ruiz de Galarreta ↑B. Prados Diaz
Álvaro García 69'
Josep Chavarría 79'
79' ↓ I. Williams ↑G. Guruzeta
↓ J. de Frutos ↑R. Nteka 79'
↓ I. Palazon ↑S. Camello 79'
↓ P. Chavarria ↑O. Trejo 82'
87' ↓ A. Berenguer ↑M. Vesga
88' ↓ N. Williams ↑U. Gomez
FT
Player Cards
Season performance ratings for players in this match
Athletic Club
Goalkeepers
U. Simon 
PROVOCATEUR
1
fouls won
1
fouls won
1
Duels Won
0
pens won
Defenders
J. Areso 
SWEEPER
3
cleanups
3
cleanups
2
interceptions
1
blocks
D. Vivian 
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
90
total mins
Started
entry
A. Paredes
SWEEPER
3
cleanups
3
cleanups
2
interceptions
1
blocks
Y. Berchiche 
WALL
0
dribbled past
0
dribbled past
3
tackles
78%
duel win %
Midfielders
M. Jauregizar
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
90
total mins
Started
entry
I. Ruiz de Galarreta
PROVOCATEUR
3
fouls won
3
fouls won
6
Duels Won
0
pens won
I. Williams
LATE SHIFT
11
late mins
11
late mins
79
total mins
79
entry
A. Berenguer 
NPC
87
minutes
87
minutes
15%
pass acc
6.6
rating
N. Williams
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Forwards
M. Sannadi
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
45
total mins
46
entry
BENCH
A. Padilla 
SPECTATOR
0
saves
0
saves
0
conceded
0
minutes
A. Boiro
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
A. Gorosabel
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
I. Lekue
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
U. Gomez
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
8
total mins
Started
entry
R. Navarro
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
B. Prados Diaz
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
23
total mins
Started
entry
O. Sancet 
SUPER SUB
0
impact
0
impact
45
minutes
7.3
rating
M. Vesga
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
9
total mins
Started
entry
G. Guruzeta
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
11
total mins
Started
entry
N. Serrano
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
J. De Luis
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
Rayo Vallecano
Goalkeepers
A. Batalla
PROVOCATEUR
1
fouls won
1
fouls won
3
Duels Won
0
pens won
Defenders
A. Ratiu
SWEEPER
3
cleanups
3
cleanups
3
interceptions
0
blocks
F. Lejeune 
STORMTROOPER
1
shots
1
shots
0
goals
0
on target
Luiz Felipe
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
90
total mins
Started
entry
P. Chavarria
SWEEPER
3
cleanups
3
cleanups
1
interceptions
2
blocks
Midfielders
I. Palazon
PROVOCATEUR
3
fouls won
3
fouls won
4
Duels Won
0
pens won
P. Ciss 
MAGNET
75
activity
75
activity
67
passes
8
duels
U. Lopez
SWEEPER
2
cleanups
2
cleanups
2
interceptions
0
blocks
A. Garcia
SWEEPER
2
cleanups
2
cleanups
1
interceptions
1
blocks
Forwards
P. Diaz
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
55
total mins
55
entry
J. de Frutos
LATE SHIFT
11
late mins
11
late mins
79
total mins
79
entry
BENCH
D. Cardenas
SPECTATOR
0
saves
0
saves
0
conceded
0
minutes
I. Balliu
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
Pacha
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
P. Fernandez
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
J. Vertrouwd
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
G. Gumbau 
FRIENDLY FIRE
0
mistake
0
mistake
3
fouls
5.9
rating
R. Nteka
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
11
total mins
Started
entry
F. Perez
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
35
total mins
Started
entry
O. Trejo
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
8
total mins
Started
entry
O. Valentin
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
0
total mins
Started
entry
S. Camello
LATE SHIFT
15
late mins
15
late mins
11
total mins
Started
entry
J. Gil
SPECTATOR
0
saves
0
saves
0
conceded
0
minutes
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/04/2025 | Athletic Club | 3 - 1 | Rayo Vallecano | La Liga | San Mamés Barria |
| 01/12/2024 | Rayo Vallecano | 1 - 2 | Athletic Club | La Liga | Estadio de Vallecas |
| 25/05/2024 | Rayo Vallecano | 0 - 1 | Athletic Club | La Liga | Estadio de Vallecas |
| 02/12/2023 | Athletic Club | 4 - 0 | Rayo Vallecano | La Liga | San Mamés Barria |
| 05/03/2023 | Rayo Vallecano | 0 - 0 | Athletic Club | La Liga | Estadio de Vallecas |
| 17/09/2022 | Athletic Club | 3 - 2 | Rayo Vallecano | La Liga | San Mamés Barria |
| 23/01/2022 | Rayo Vallecano | 0 - 1 | Athletic Club | La Liga | Estadio de Vallecas |
| 21/09/2021 | Athletic Club | 1 - 2 | Rayo Vallecano | La Liga | San Mamés Barria |
| 14/04/2019 | Athletic Club | 3 - 2 | Rayo Vallecano | La Liga | San Mamés |
13/04/2025
01/12/2024
25/05/2024
02/12/2023
05/03/2023
17/09/2022
23/01/2022
21/09/2021
14/04/2019
Athletic Club Win
Rayo Vallecano Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 2 GD: +7
P: 2 GD: +4
P: 2 GD: +4
P: 2 GD: +2
P: 2 GD: +1
P: 2 GD: +1
P: 2 GD: +1
P: 2 GD: 0
P: 2 GD: 0
P: 2 GD: 0
P: 2 GD: -1
P: 2 GD: -1
P: 2 GD: -2
P: 2 GD: -3
P: 2 GD: -2
P: 2 GD: -2
P: 2 GD: -5
P: 2 GD: -7
League Standings
P: 22 GD: +37
P: 22 GD: +29
P: 22 GD: +21
P: 21 GD: +16
P: 22 GD: +8
P: 22 GD: -1
P: 22 GD: +6
P: 22 GD: 0
P: 22 GD: -1
P: 22 GD: -7
P: 22 GD: -10
P: 22 GD: -15
P: 22 GD: -2
P: 21 GD: -5
P: 22 GD: -12
P: 22 GD: -11
P: 22 GD: -12
P: 21 GD: -9
P: 21 GD: -10
AI-powered match analysis and previews to help you decide which games are worth watching
Sancet's Spot-Kick Seals Athletic's Perfect Start
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 41/100. A narrow but vital win for Athletic Club, who extend their flawless campaign against a Rayo Vallecano side that dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge when it mattered.
VAR confirms, Sancet delivers
This six-pointer hinged on a controversial VAR intervention in the 64th minute. Oihan Sancet, introduced at the interval, showed ice-cold composure from the penalty spot two minutes later to seal Athletic Club's second consecutive victory. That clinical finish proved decisive in a match defined by defensive Intensity over attacking fireworks—exactly what the stakes demanded.
Defensive masterclass overshadows possession battle
The Athletic Club backline was imperious. Jesús Areso orchestrated a man-of-the-match display with 1 key pass that threaded the attacking line, while Nico Williams crafted 2 dangerous passes from midfield to sustain the creative threat. Athletic fired 11 shots with 4 finding the target, demonstrating ruthless efficiency. Rayo Vallecano, despite controlling 59% possession and completing 498 passes, mustered just 1 shot on target and an xG of 0.29—a damning indictment of their toothless attacking play. The visitors' four yellow cards painted a picture of frustration.
Balance tilted, title race implications
Athletic now sits at 6 points from 2 games with a perfect record intact. Rayo tumbles to 8th with 3 points, their early-season hopes already dented. This wasn't a spectacle—it was a statement. Athletic's ability to grind out results through defensive Balance and penalty-box efficiency marks them as genuine contenders. Rayo's upset factor evaporated the moment Sancet stepped up to the spot.
Key Questions
How did the VAR penalty decision reshape the match?
VAR confirmed the penalty in the 64th minute, breaking the deadlock. Sancet converted two minutes later, rewarding Athletic's defensive solidity and ending Rayo's hopes.
Why couldn't Rayo convert their possession dominance into goals?
Rayo owned 59% possession but only 1 shot on target. Their 0.29 xG exposes poor decision-making against Athletic's impenetrable defensive setup.
What does this result mean for Athletic's title credentials?
Athletic extends their perfect record to 2 wins from 2 with 6 points. They've proven they can grind out tight wins—a hallmark of champions.
How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?
The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.
Survival Instincts Take Centre Stage
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 45/100. While mid-table on paper, both sides are treating this as a critical fight for survival to avoid an early-season spiral.
The Setup
On August 25, Athletic Club hosts Rayo Vallecano at the stadium in a match where the Stakes (7.0) are unexpectedly high. Athletic currently sits 8th, but their Form has been maddeningly inconsistent (LWLWL), leaving them vulnerable. Rayo Vallecano, positioned just one spot behind in 9th, has struggled to find Balance, accumulating three draws in their last five outings. In a league where the gap between the European spots and the danger zone can vanish in a fortnight, this encounter carries the weight of a true relegation battle.
Key Battle
The tactical heart of this match lies on the flanks. Nico Williams enters the fray as the ultimate Stars performer for the hosts, capable of dismantling defensive lines with his pace. He will be countered by Rayo’s Jorge de Frutos, who has been the visitors' primary outlet for transition play. If Rayo cannot isolate Williams and prevent him from receiving the ball in space, their back line will be in for a long evening under intense pressure.
Our Prediction
The match is likely to unfold as a cagey affair dictated by the fear of losing ground. Athletic Club will look to dominate possession and use the creativity of Oihan Sancet to unlock the visitors. While Isi Palazón remains a constant threat for Rayo on the counter, the reliability of Unai Simón in goal should give the home side the platform they need. Expect a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Athletic, as their superior individual quality in the final third proves the difference.
Key Questions
Should I watch this match?
Yes. It is a high-intensity clash between two sides desperate to pull away from the bottom half.
What's the predicted outcome?
A 2-1 win for Athletic Club is the most likely result given their home advantage.
Where are Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano in the league table?
Athletic Club are 8th with 20 points; Rayo Vallecano are 9th with 17 points.
What is Athletic Club's current form?
Their recent form is mixed, recorded as LWLWL over their last five league matches.
Who is the in-form player to watch?
Nico Williams is the player to watch, with 1 goals and 1 assists in 1 matches and a 10.0 rating.
How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?
The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.