Real Madrid will aim to return to winning ways in the La Liga when they host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real suffered a big setback last weekend losing 2-1 to Real Betis, which left them third on the table. Rayo Vallecano on the other hand travel to the Spanish capital in search of a much needed win as they continue their push for European qualification with Inigo Pérez’s.
Despite the loss, Carlo Ancelotti's men remain in contention for multiple trophies. They secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Atlético in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday and are also well placed in the Copa del Rey, leading Real Sociedad 1-0 after their first leg. Recent meetings with Rayo have been tricky for Real as their last three La Liga clashes have all ended in a draw, including a thrilling 3-3 game earlier this season. Los Blancos will now take confidence from their home form having secured 31 points from 12 league matches at the Bernabéu, making them La Liga’s second best home team.
Rayo Vallecano enter this clash in poor form having taken just one point from their last three matches. Back to back defeats against Barcelona and Villarreal were followed by a 1-1 draw with Sevilla, leaving them in danger of not making an European spot, as they currently sit seventh. History is not on Rayo’s side either, as they have struggled against Real Madrid over the years, with their last league win at the Bernabéu being in January 1996. Now, Rayo’s away form has been solid with 17 points collected from 13 matches on the road this season. However, facing a motivated Real Madrid side at the Bernabéu will be a stern test for Pérez’s squad.
Real Madrid receive a major boost with the return of Jude Bellingham from suspension, and the England star is expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup. However, Ancelotti remains without Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballo, and Jesús Vallejo due to injuries.
For Rayo Vallecano injuries and suspensions have left them severely damaged. Key players such as Raúl de Tomás, Abdul Mumin, Jorge de Frutos, Randy Nteka, Isi Palazón, Sergio Camello, Unai López and Jonathan Montiel are all sidelined leaving Perez with limited choices.
Real Madrid possible lineup: Courtois; Vázquez, Asencio, Alaba, F. García; Modric, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius
Rayo Vallecano possible lineup: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Hernández, Chavarría; Díaz, Ciss; Embarba, Trejo, A. García; Guardiola
REAL MADRID VS RAYO VALLECANO
1.88
TOTAL GOALS, UNDER 3
