Arbeloa Drops Bombshell Rodrygo Call as Real Madrid Face Rayo Vallecano—Latest Injury Updates and Starting XI Revealed
Following a catastrophic Champions League setback, Real Madrid return to their La Liga campaign against a faltering Rayo Vallecano squad this Sunday.
Carlo Ancelotti's squad had anticipated a relatively manageable February schedule, featuring just four domestic fixtures before the crucial final stretch of the campaign begins. However, Los Blancos endured a shocking 4–2 loss to Benfica on Wednesday evening, forcing them into the Champions League knockout stage playoffs.
Real Madrid will be determined to move past the disappointing result by securing their sixth straight La Liga victory to maintain pressure on table-toppers Barcelona, who hold just a one-point advantage over their eternal rivals. They may not be thrilled about returning to the Bernabéu, where the players in white will likely face thunderous boos once more.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Real Madrid remain without the sidelined Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy, compelling Ancelotti to field an identical defensive setup with Federico Valverde at right-back once more.
Alexander-Arnold and Rüdiger are progressing well in their rehabilitation processes and should rejoin the squad in the upcoming weeks to provide Real Madrid's battered defense with essential reinforcement. Once available, Ancelotti must determine which member of his preferred midfield combination of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham steps aside for Valverde.
Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo are both eligible for the La Liga encounter despite receiving red cards during the week. Both players are anticipated to feature on Sunday and will aim to compensate for their disciplinary lapses in European competition.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian goalkeeper allowed four goals in the team's final group stage match, yet he continues to top La Liga with 10 shutouts.
RB: Federico Valverde—Valverde has performed admirably at right-back, though donning the captain's armband demands greater leadership qualities than he appears to possess.
CB: Raúl Asencio—Notwithstanding his dismissal against Benfica, Asencio remains available for Sunday's La Liga fixture. However, it's merely a question of when Rüdiger returns to reclaim his defensive position.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The former Bournemouth center-back should face minimal difficulty containing Jorge de Frutos; the forward has managed only two goals in his previous 14 outings.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The encounter against his previous team didn't unfold as expected, but Carreras will embrace a return to domestic action, where he has excelled since joining the Spanish capital.
DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The French midfielder endured just 55 disappointing minutes against Benfica before being withdrawn. Tchouaméni receives an opportunity to restore his reputation against weaker opposition.
AM: Arda Güler—Güler attracted negative attention when he responded poorly to his substitution at the Estádio da Luz. Nevertheless, the Turkish talent remains Real Madrid's finest creative midfielder currently.
AM: Jude Bellingham—The number 10 continues seeking his inaugural league strike since 2026 began, but opportunities should arise against Rayo's porous defense.
RW: Rodrygo—The Brazilian is set to make his first start since recovering from injury, relegating Franco Mastantuono to substitute duty. Before his medical absence, Rodrygo recorded six goal involvements across seven matches.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Having already netted 36 times in all competitions, Mbappé will again shoulder Real Madrid's attacking responsibilities. The French striker seeks redemption following his underwhelming display against Rayo in November.
LW: Vinicius Junior—Jeers will undoubtedly welcome Vinicius Junior on Sunday after another ineffective midweek showing. Reliable form continues to elude the winger.