Atletico Madrid must bounce back away to Rayo Vallecano

After a hugely consistent season in Spain, Atletico Madrid has hit a stumbling block in a big way, after two defeats on the bounce has put a huge dent in their title aspirations. On Saturday, the club from the capital looks to get back on track away to a struggling Rayo Vallecano outfit – Diego Simeone and his side desperately need three points this weekend to rejoin the title chase.

Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid Game Center

Rayo looking to pull away from relegation danger

Atletico is not the only club in search of points, however, as Rayo Vallecano looks for a much-needed three points which could well take them out of the relegation zone, depending on how other results go. Rayo currently find themselves third from the bottom, although they are just a point behind Girona, the team immediately above them in the table.

Atletico, meanwhile, looks to be going off the boil at precisely the wrong time. Having been the main challengers to Barcelona’s domestic crown for the majority of the season so far, two defeats in a row has seen the club drop down into third behind Real Madrid. A win here could move Atletico back up into second, temporarily at least.

And it is indeed Atletico that comes into this match as the red-hot favorite to take all three points. You can back the visitors to win at just -134 while Rayo Vallecano, despite home advantage, is out at +400 to do the same. A draw is priced in the middle at +240.

Atletico to pick up the win

Despite their recent misfortunes, we are expecting Atletico to be back firing on all cylinders in what is a must-win game for the club. And while it is never easy trying to predict the exact scoreline in any football match, a comfortable 2-0 win for Atletico is priced at +600 and may well be worth backing when you consider how airtight Atletico’s defence has been all term – their biggest problem has been scoring goals at the other end.

Such a result would then also allow you to back UNDER 2.5 goals in the game, which is at short odds of just -150, as well as a “No” to both teams scoring, which comes in at the same low price. Therefore, if you are looking to increase any potential earnings from this encounter, then you may wish to consider combo betting, which allows you to select multiple outcomes at higher odds.

For example, a combo bet of an Atletico win, coupled with a “No” to both teams scoring, is at the higher price of +162, while an away victory and UNDER 2.5 goals in the game is higher still at +240. You may also bet on the total number of goals in the match, with UNDER two at +175, two or three dropping right down to -105, and OVER three goals in the game shooting up to +333.

Atletico to control the game

And while Atletico may not be setting the world alight with their attacking prowess, they do know how to control a contest and extract points from it, particularly against technically limited opponents. With their defensive record, it could be wise to back Atletico to win this game to nil (without Rayo Vallecano scoring a goal), an outcome you can back at +162.

It is in scoring goals where the odds start to rise. Atletico is at +240 to score in both halves and out at +450 to actually go out and win both halves – that may not be likely given their recent losses, which may have led to a blow to morale.

In terms of goalscorers, Atletico Madrid now needs Antoine Griezmann more than ever. The World Cup Sportsbook is at just -120 to score at any time, while you can back him at +260 to score either the first or the last goal of the game.