Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Read our in-depth preview here…
Match Preview for Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano
It was an awful midweek for Real Madrid and boss Alvaro Arbeloa. A 4-2 defeat at Benfica was bad enough, as it condemned the 15-time European champions to the play-offs in their bid to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, but the manner of the performance in Lisbon was even worse.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice for Madrid but they were second best for large chunks of the game with the sting in the tail provided by home goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s header deep into stoppage time that also preserved Benfica’s place in the competition.
Mbappe described Trubin’s goal as “embarrassing” and questioned his team-mate’s desire and he, and the Madrid fans, will be eager to see a response against Rayo Vallecano.
It seemed Arbeloa had got Madrid back on track after the turbulent, and short, reign of Xabi Alonso. Wins over Levante, Monaco and Villarreal had shown flashes of the old Madrid but the setback in Portugal – and the sight of Arda Guler angrily gesturing after being substituted – was a throwback to October when Alonso and Vinicius Jr fell out.
Madrid start the weekend a point behind Barcelona but the gap could be up to four with Barca visiting Elche on Saturday.
Rayo had been on a good run but three successive defeats – to Alaves in the Copa del Rey and in the league against Celta Vigo and Osasuna have stunted their progress.
They do, however, have a good recent record against their city rivals with just two defeats in their last seven meetings.
Team News for Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rudiger remain sidelined for Madrid. Arbeloa will have to decide between Rodrygo, who was sent off in Lisbon as was Raul Asencio, or Franco Mastantuono to play on the right side of the front three.
Rayo right-back Andrei Rațiu, who has enjoyed success against Vinicius Jr in the past, is set to return from injury. Abdul Mumin is not fit but Rayo are hopeful Ivan Balliu will make it.
Predicted line-ups for Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarria; Palazon, Valentin, Diaz; Akhomach, De Frutos, A Garcia
How to watch Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid versus Rayo Vallecano kicks off at the Bernabeu on Sunday at 1pm. You can watch it in the UK on Premier Sports 2 and stream via the Premier Sports website.
It is also available on the bet365 app and website.
Stats for Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano
- Real Madrid have won 33 of their previous 47 matches against Rayo Vallecano
- The reverse fixture, at Vallecas in November, ended goalless
- Rayo Vallecano have not won at the Bernabeu since 1996
Real Madrid
2
–
1
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo will enjoy making their big-name neighbours sweat and it should be a close game but we think the home side will edge it.
The visitors’ best chance is to score early and then watch the scorn and condemnation pour down from every corner of the Bernabeu.
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