Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Match Preview
Real Madrid are hoping to bounce back from Wednesday’s Champions League defeat to Liverpool by resuming their La Liga campaign at Rayo Vallecano.
Although they have been disappointing at Anfield, it has been a much more promising league season with Xabi Alonso’s side five points clear of Barcelona at the top of the table as they prepare to take on the division’s 10th team across town.
Real have been the standout team in La Liga this season, winning 10 of their 11 matches to collect 30 points and move five points clear of Barcelona heading into matchday 12.
A victory here would see Los Blancos extend that gap to eight points, with their rivals only playing on Sunday evening against an in-form Celta Vigo.
Despite some off-field tensions involving Vinicius Junior, Madrid remain firmly focused on maintaining their dominance on the pitch.
Although rumors of discontent surrounding manager Alonsos since replacing Carlo Ancelotti persist, his side are aiming for a fifth consecutive league victory, having beaten Villarreal, Getafe, Barcelona and Valencia since their 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Rayo Vallecano have won three of their last four matches in all competitions, although their momentum was halted by a 4-0 defeat to Villarreal earlier this month. Inigo Perez’s men sit 10th in La Liga with 14 points from 11 games, four points behind the top six.
Their home form has been inconsistent, picking up just five points from four matches at Vallecas, while they now face a Real Madrid side who have the best away record in the league with 12 points from five away games.
Historically, Rayo have struggled against Madrid, winning only seven of 46 meetings in all competitions. However, they have held the champions to a draw in three of their last four league meetings, including a thrilling 3-3 draw in this match last season.
Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Madrid team news
Rayo Vallecano remain without Luiz Felipe (hamstring) and Abdul Mumin (knee), while Diego Mendez is doubtful for the match. Jorge de Frutos, Alemao, Pedro Diaz and Andrei Ratiu are all expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested in Europe.
Alvaro Garcia is expected to retain his place in attack, having impressed this season with five goals and three assists in all competitions. The Spaniard will once again be a key threat for the hosts.
For Real Madrid, Aurélien Tchouameni is ruled out with a hamstring injury and is not expected to return until later this month. Dani Carvajal (knee) and Antonio Rudiger (muscles) are also out, while David Alaba (calf) and Franco Mastantuono (groin) are unlikely to feature.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could return to the starting XI after his last appearance as a substitute, which could allow Federico Valverde to go further. Rodrygo is also in contention to start alongside Vinicius Junior and top scorer Kylian Mbappe in attack.
