As the 2025-2026 La Liga season begins to build up, Matchday 6 will be an exciting double-header with very high stakes in the early-season standings. On Thursday, September 25th, we visit the capital first for a much-awaited fixture between a determined Atlético Madrid and an obstinate Rayo Vallecano side. Next, we'll review a high-stakes showdown at El Sadar Stadium between a hot Osasuna side and a stumbling Elche side.

These matches are more than a hunt for three points; they are a test of will, a struggle of intellect, and a chance for sides to build on good beginnings or pull themselves out of a rut at the early stages of the season. The results of these fixtures will no doubt determine the tone of the weeks to come in Spain's top tier.

• Date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025

• Kick-off Time: 17:00 UTC (19:00 CEST)

• Venue: Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano, Madrid

• Competition: La Liga (Matchday 6)

Atlético Madrid, under the astute management of Diego Simeone, has made a good beginning to their La Liga campaign. Two wins and a draw from their first three games are evidence of a team playing with its usual defensive strength and a sharp attack. Their recent performances are a thumping 2-0 victory over Villarreal and a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Sevilla. This flawless opening is a testament to their potent attack, which has scored 4 goals in three games, and defense, which has remained impenetrable, allowing only 1 goal.

Rayo Vallecano's beginning of the campaign has been mixed. Their current form includes a crucial 1-1 draw with Real Betis and a gritty 3-1 loss to Barcelona. This form is a reflection of their tactical organization and their ability to gain points from tough teams. Their defense has been solid, and their attack has been potent. This match will be a tough test of their form, as they will face a Real Madrid side that's burning it up at all cylinders.

Rayo Vallecano and Atlético Madrid's long history of rivalry has predominantly been one of Atletico's dominant straightforward victories at home. In their 31 all-time league meetings, Atlético Madrid won 21 while Rayo won only 6 times and drawn 4 times.

With the historic supremacy aside, Rayo has a surprisingly healthy form in recent times. In their recent game, they beat Atlético Madrid 1-0 in a shock win that surprised the league.

Atlético Madrid's injury list has also been a cause of concern, but the team has responded in a big way. Antoine Griezmann is one big absentee after he has picked up a muscle injury and will be out for the long term. The team will also miss integral midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. But the team is deep enough, and even then, they would be able to put out a good team.

Rayo Vallecano takes this game with a complete squad, and they will likely begin with the same line that held out Real Betis.

1. Atlético's Defense of Rayo's Attack: Atlético Madrid's defense, headed by the likes of Jan Oblak and José Giménez, will try to use their defensive solidity and discipline in order to shut down Rayo's attack.

2. Rayo Counterattack: Rayo will attempt to absorb pressure and then look to use the speed of their wingers to exploit any space that is vacated by Atlético full backs. The middle of the park will also be important, and the team who dominates there will set the pace of the game.

• Date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025

• Kick-off Time: 19:30 UTC (21:30 CEST)

• Venue: El Sadar Stadium, Pamplona, Spain

• Competition: La Liga (Matchday 6)

Osasuna have had a decent start to the season, with two victories and a loss in their first three games. They defeated Real Madrid 1-0 and Rayo Vallecano 2-0. Such good form is proof of their aware tactics and ability to gain points from such top-class opponents.

Elche, however, has had an unpredictable start to the season, winning, drawing, and losing their first three matches. They lost 1-0 to Cádiz in their last match, a performance showing that they are not well-equipped against solidly organized teams. Elche is a bad team to play against, both in attack and defense. This match is a vital game for them in an attempt to resuscitate their season and gain a much-needed win.

Historical head-to-head competition between Elche and Osasuna has been generally a closely contested affair. Out of their 15 all-time league meetings, Osasuna holds a slight edge with 6 wins against Elche's 4, 5 drawn.

Recent form is hotly contested. The previous five encounters have yielded two wins for Osasuna, one draw, and a win for Elche, showing that this is by no means over.

Osasuna has a serious injury issue with star striker Ante Budimir out for an extended period with an injury. His absence will be a big blow to Osasuna's attack and their chances of picking up a win. Elche have no fresh injuries and should name the same team that lost to Cádiz.

1. Osasuna's Attack vs. Elche's Defense: Osasuna's attack will try to break down Elche's defense.

2. Elche's Counterattack: Consider the counter-threat posed by Elche, whose pace on the wings could take advantage of any space left by Osasuna's defense.

Get more for your money with our exclusive offers:

• $21 Free Bonus

• 200% Deposit Bonus

• $25 & $1 Forever Bonus (Stake.us only)

Back your decision, the Atlético, or Osasuna, with extra bang for your buck.

Bet responsibly. Bet securely. Keep the fun going.

This is a difficult one to call, given the recent form of both teams. Atlético Madrid's home form and solid defense give them the better chance, but Rayo's desperation for a win and solid defense make them a dangerous team to play. We expect a hard-fought game, but Atlético Madrid's home form should be enough to win it for them.

• Final Score Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2 - 0 Rayo Vallecano

This is a match between two teams that need a win. Osasuna's home and their attack make them the favorites, but Elche's defense has been solid, and they are not going to be an easy team to beat. It will be a difficult match, but Osasuna's desire to win at home will be the deciding factor.

• Final Score Prediction: Osasuna 1 - 0 Elche

These two La Liga fixtures will be of enormous significance to both teams' campaigns. A win for Atlético Madrid would further entrench them at the top of the table, while a win for Osasuna would be an enormous confidence builder. All is in place for a day of high-drama high-stakes and world-class football.