Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens Tips & Preview – Tight contest expected at Vallecas

Tolu Shotade

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Last updated: Tue 07 Apr 2026 13:46

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Rayo Vallecano host AEK Athens in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals.
Rayo boast strong home form; AEK are unbeaten in their last 14 away games.
Both teams are often involved in low-scoring matches with under 2.5 goals.

Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens

The UEFA Conference League returns with a quarter-final first-leg clash between Rayo Vallecano and AEK Athens at the Estadio de Vallecas on Thursday.

The hosts are making their second appearance in the last eight of any European competition, while AEK return to this stage for the first time in 28 years.

Rayo Vallecano News

Rayo Vallecano defeated Elche 1-0 in their most recent outing, marking their third consecutive match with that score line. The result was crucial to their La Liga survival hopes, and they can now focus on the Conference League.

Despite losing their last UECL match 1-0, they progressed to the last eight after a 3-2 aggregate win over Samsunspor. Rayo have avoided defeat in eight of their last 10 games, scoring in each of those games and keeping only three clean sheets.

In eight of their previous two-legged European ties, Los Franjirrojos have won the first leg six times. They head into this game with confidence, having lost just one of their last six games at Vallecas. Inigo Perez's side have been involved in several low-scoring games, with under 2.5 goals recorded in seven of their last 10.

AEK Athens News

AEK Athens are on a two-game winning streak and are also coming off a 1-0 victory over Olympiacos. The result consolidated their top spot in the Greek Super League Championship play-offs.

Marko Nikolic's side earned a 4-2 aggregate win over NK Celje to reach the Conference League last eight. AEK are also in good form, with only one defeat in their last 13 games. Having claimed eight wins in that stretch, they have also found the net in eight of their last 10.

AEK are unbeaten in their last 14 away games and have won their last three away UECL matches. However, they are winless in their last 15 games against Spanish opposition, losing seven of their last nine visits to Spain. Two of their last three fixtures have also produced under 2.5 goals.

Head to Head

This marks the first time these two sides will face each other. Both teams will be eager to grab a first-leg advantage at Vallecas.

Verdict

Rayo Vallecano v AEK Athens

Seven of Rayo Vallecano’s last 10 games have seen fewer than two goals scored, and the trend could see under 2.5 goals produced here.

AEK Athens have lost seven of their last nine trips to Spain, giving Rayo the confidence for a home win. Rayo's last three games have ended 1-0, and the streak is expected to continue at Vallecas.

Under 2.5

Total Goals

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Rayo Vallecano

To Win

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Correct Score

Rayo 1-0

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