30 December 2021, 14:53 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Atlético de Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano kicks off at 16:15 (GMT+1) on Sunday, January 2, at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Preview Atlético Madrid La Liga, Jan 2, 2022
Preview Atlético Madrid took a trip back to Matchday 9 on the 22nd of December for the rescheduled game against Granada. However, Diego Simeone’s side failed to pick up a point after a 2-1 defeat to the Nazaríes at the Nuevo Los Cármenes Stadium. A solo effort from João Félix (2') saw ATM establish the lead inside the first five minutes. However, Atletico Madrid’s lead lasted only a quarter of an hour as Darwin Machis (17') restored parity inside the Los Cármenes with a remarkable 25-yard-strike. João Félix saw his second effort controversially ruled out by the VAR before Jorge Molina (61') struck, leaving Granada in the lead. Atletico Madrid came close to finding the leveler on a number of occasions but failed to convert any of their several clear-cut chances. The defeat saw the Indios drop one spot from 4th to 5th place on the LaLiga table, having failed to pick up a point. The club is left with 29 points from 8W, 5D, & 5L, and will be returning with four straight defeats: WLLLL. Separated by only a point, a defeat or a draw to Rayo Vallecano would keep the LaLiga champions out of the top-four, while a victory over Sunday’s opposition would see ATM reclaim lost ground. A 3—1—4—2 formation with João Félix and Luis Suarez in attack is anticipated for this fixture against the Red Sashes.
Preview Rayo Vallecano La Liga, Jan 2, 2022
Preview Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano are grappling with the COVID-19 situation at the club and have put in a request to have this fixture postponed. Rayo returned to training earlier in the week after the Christmas break with just eight first-team players due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the club. Last time out, the Red Sashes picked up a 2-0 win over Deportivo Alaves on LaLiga Matchday 18. The lesser-known Guardiola (19’) tucked the ball away for the opener before Alejandro Catena (26’) found the back of the net with his first-ever LaLiga goal. Both sides struck the woodwork, but neither side was able to find the back of the net before the end of the game, despite several clear-cut chances. The Vallecans are in 4th place, with 30 points from 9W, 3D, & 6L, and Andoni Iraola aims to keep his place ahead of the LaLiga champions. It remains unknown if the request to have the game postponed will be granted. However, Andoni Iraola could line up with the 4—2—3—1 formation with Radamel Falcao returning to the starting line-up. The 35-year-old, who is the club’s joint-top scorer with five goals, made his return in the game against Alaves following a spell on the sidelines.