The fight for La Liga’s Champions League spots could be an interesting one, with seemingly five teams challenging for four spots.
One of those five teams is Atletico Madrid, who will look to continue their recent positive momentum when they host Rayo Vallecano at the Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Atletico on a rollA 2-0 home win over Valencia at the weekend means that Diego Simeone’s team has now recorded three straight wins in all competitions and kept three consecutive clean sheets.
The recent decent run has moved Atletico up to third place in La Liga, but they are still just two points ahead of fifth-place Athletic Club in the fight for the Champions League spots.
A formidable home record in La Liga will likely aid that push for a top-four finish, as Los Colchoneros are unbeaten in 22 home Liga games, having recorded 20 victories and two draws.
Rayo is struggling to find formThe visitors head to the Spanish capital on a four-game winless run in all competitions. A 0-0 draw at Real Sociedad last time out at least ended a short two-game losing streak.
Francisco’s team's record of just one win in their previous 11 matches in the Spanish top flight is concerning.
Despite the lack of recent La Liga victories, Rayo is in 13th place in the table and eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Los Franjirrojos have found that away wins have been in short supply in recent months, as they have won just one of their previous five Liga games on their travels.
One of the most significant factors in Rayo’s poor recent away form in La Liga has been a lack of goals, as they have failed to score in four of their previous five matches in the Spanish top flight.
What am I backing?Atletico are on an excellent recent run of form, and they are formidable on home soil. The bet I am backing is the home win.
