Welcome to Extratips, where today we've got a spicy La Liga clash on the menu—Athletic Bilbao hosting Rayo Vallecano at the San Mamés. Kick-off’s scheduled for 17:30 local time on August 25th, and it's a chance for both teams to kickstart their season with some much-needed points. Bilbao, often the home of gritty defenders and a passionate fanbase, will look to capitalize on their recent home form, while Rayo is eager to break their away-day jinx. The odds lean slightly in Bilbao's favor at 1.70, with a draw at 3.50 and Rayo at 5.50—so you might fancy a home win with a little safety net. Both teams to score sits at 2.10, indicating there's a decent chance both sides find the net. The historical heads suggest a tight scrap—In their last five encounters, Bilbao took the win twice, including their last fixture in April (3-1), while Rayo managed a win back in December. Bilbao’s last five home games saw a mix of wins, losses, and draws, highlighting they’re no pushovers at home, while Rayo’s away streak has been slightly inconsistent but resilient. Expect Bilbao's solid defense and attacking spark to shine here, though Rayo’s fighting spirit makes a goal or two likely. Key factors? Rayo’s recent injury struggles and Bilbao’s home advantage are worth considering. If history means anything, expect a competitive fixture with a slight edge to Bilbao, but don’t be stunned if Rayo snatches a goal. So, here’s some food for thought: will Bilbao turn up the heat at home? Or can Rayo steal a point? Let's dive into the predictions.