<p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Neither team is expected to mount a challenge for the title, but getting through this tie could make many take note and potentially offer value as a dark horse…</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;">Quick Picks</h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;"><strong>Our pick:</strong> Rayo Vallecano to win</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;"><strong>Value bet:</strong> 'Yes' in the BTTS</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;"><strong>Long shot:</strong> Over 2.5 Goals<br>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;">Betting Preview</h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">As one of the "bigger" teams, the Spanish side managed to qualify for an automatic spot in the knockout stages of Europe's third tournament.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Guided by Iñigo Pérez, their attention is likely to be on this competition as they sit mid-table in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/spain/spanish-la-liga">La Liga betting</a> this season.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Indeed, they've put together some strong performances.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Finishing fifth in the League Phase, the Spaniards won four of their six games (1D, 1L), having scored 13 goals and conceded seven.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">In the Round of 16, they overcame the challenge of the Turkish outfit, Samsunspor.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">They would win that tie 3-2 on aggregate, although they lost their home match (second leg) 1-0.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">AEK Athens will be a dangerous proposition for Vallecano.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">They finished third in the table, with an identical record.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">They scored 14 and conceded seven, thus giving them the edge by one goal.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">In the Round of 16, they would also win away in the first leg before losing in the second at home.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">They defeated Celje 4-0 before losing 2-0 in the reverse fixture, but still went through 4-2 on aggregate.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;">Betting Markets to Watch</h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Rayo Vallecano are considered the pre-match favourites to win, and there's <strong>value in their moneyline odds</strong> for them to do that.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">They won each of their three home games in the League Phase, keeping two clean sheets.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">However, they lost their Round of 16 home encounter.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">This is perhaps why their odds are as high as they are, thus highlighting why there's value worth exploring.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;"><strong>Alvaro Garcia and Aboubakary Koita</strong> are both worth consideration when looking at the <strong>anytime goalscorer market</strong>.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Garcia has three goals this season for Vallecano in the competition, while Koita has four.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Both offer a significant goal threat, and if they get the chances to convert, there's a good chance they'll take at least one.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Goals can be expected in this one we believe, as both have shown they can score but are vulnerable to conceding.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">The <strong>BTTS hitting offers value</strong>, as does the <strong>'Over 2.5 Goals' market.</strong></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;">Our Prediction</h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Check the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/uefa-competitions/uefa-europa-conference-league/rayo-vallecano-v-aek-athens-10280407">Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens betting odds</a> at Sportsbet.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Our prediction is that <strong>Rayo Vallecano emerge as likely winners</strong>.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">Despite the defeat in the Ro16 at home, we think they'll have too much for the Greek side when they meet.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">That said, we still believe goals are likely, even if <strong>Over 2.5 is a long shot</strong> in our minds.</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;">For those looking to learn more about <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-uefa-conference-league">how to bet on the Conference League</a>, this match offers a good example of weighing form against home advantage.</p>