Athletic visit Rayo in Vallecas tied on 8 points

Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club return to LaLiga after three weeks off this Sunday, in Vallecas at 14:00, with VAR handled by Sánchez Martínez and Iglesias Villanueva. Both sides go into the match on eight points.

The Athletic side start an intense run: after this game they will play seven matches in thirty days (six in the league and their Copa opener). The visit to Levante is also pending and will be played on Wednesday, the 21st. Their immediate goal is to move on from the draws at home to Elche and Alavés in San Mamés. “Lo importante es el escudo, no el nombre de la camiseta,” Terzic said.

Athletic have notable absences: Nico Williams and Sancet are out through injury, and Laporte was a late withdrawal for an “indisposition”. Yeray and Paredes are expected to form the center-back partnership, while Vivian is back in a squad for the first time this season after recovering from an adductor issue.

For Rayo, Beñat San José’s team comes back to Vallecas after hosting away at Butarque due to poor pitch conditions, where they recorded 7 points from 9. Pedrosa is a doubt at left-back due to muscle problems, and Isi is the main return: he has been out since August 20 after injuring himself against Alavés, and is expected to start from the bench.