AEK Athens FC vs Rayo Vallecano | Prediction & Lineups |

Match Preview

AEK Athens FC hosts Rayo Vallecano in a UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final on 16 April 2026. AEK have shown decent home form this season, averaging 1.5 goals per game at the Athens Olympic Stadium, but their defense has been shaky, conceding 7 goals in their last 4 home matches. Forward Papadopoulos leads their attack with 8 goals in the competition, crucial for breaking down stubborn defenses.

Rayo Vallecano arrive with a mixed away record, managing just one clean sheet in their last 7 road games across all competitions. Their recent form reads W-D-L-L-W, with 9 goals scored in the last 5 matches but also conceding 8, indicating an open style but defensive vulnerability. Striker Martínez is their top scorer with 6 Conference League goals, expected to be key in exploiting AEK’s defensive lapses.

AEK currently sit 4 points clear of the relegation zone in the Greek league but are focused on European progress. Rayo are mid-table in La Liga, with less pressure but a tendency to drop points away. The home side’s defensive inconsistency and Rayo’s away fragility suggest a tightly contested match with chances at both ends.

Edge: AEK Athens holds a slight advantage due to home scoring consistency and Papadopoulos’ form, but Rayo’s attacking threat and AEK’s defensive lapses keep the outcome uncertain. Expect a close game with a slight lean towards the hosts (approximate 55% win probability).

Team Form

AEK’s form shows inconsistency at home, with defensive lapses leading to two losses in the last five. Their attack is productive but not prolific. Rayo’s recent away results are similarly patchy, with goals flowing but defensive stability lacking.

Both sides have shown the ability to score but also concede, pointing to an open game where defensive errors could be decisive.