Rayo Vallecano Set to Battle Real Madrid: Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Real Madrid look to strengthen their position at the top of La Liga this Sunday as they travel to face cross-town opponents Rayo Vallecano.

The table-toppers Madrid currently hold a five-point lead over their El Clásico opponents and championship contenders Barcelona, boasting ten wins and only one loss in La Liga this campaign. They've secured four consecutive league victories, building on their vital triumph against Barça with a commanding performance against Valencia last weekend.

Nevertheless, Los Blancos encountered an unfortunate stumble during the week as Liverpool defeated them in the Champions League. Their lackluster 2-0 loss at Anfield drew warranted criticism, with Xabi Alonso calling for better performances ahead of their final fixture before the November international window on Sunday.

Rayo, who also participated in European competition midweek by defeating Lech Poznań in the Conference League, approach this match in excellent form, claiming victory in five of their previous seven contests across all tournaments. They've moved up to a mid-table position in La Liga and have shown resilience in recent encounters with Madrid.

Three of the past four meetings between these Madrid-based clubs have resulted in stalemates, including an entertaining 3–3 draw at Estadio de Vallecas last season. Iñigo Pérez would welcome securing a point from this upcoming encounter.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the match.

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Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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Rayo Vallecano Team News

Rayo will definitely be missing defenders Abdul Mumin and Luiz Felipe, while promising midfielder Diego Méndez remains questionable for Madrid's arrival.

Pérez needed tactical changes to overturn a two-goal deficit during Thursday's triumph, with second-half scorers Isi Palazón, Jorge de Frutos and Álvaro García all potentially returning to the starting eleven on Sunday.

This attacking trio has contributed a total of 12 goals and assists in La Liga this campaign and must perform at their peak to break down Madrid this weekend.

Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Raţiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Chavarria; Díaz, Ciss; De Frutos, Isi, García; Zurawski.

Real Madrid Team News

Madrid will remain without their injured defensive trio of David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger for Sunday's encounter, while prospect Franco Mastantuono is also doubtful to feature against Rayo.

They will be accompanied by Aurélien Tchouaméni in the medical bay, with the French midfielder picking up an injury during Madrid's loss to Liverpool. A muscle strain will keep him out for multiple weeks.

Trent Alexander-Arnold faced a cold welcome upon his Anfield return as he came off the bench, but the England international should get the nod on Sunday. This will allow Federico Valverde to shift back into midfield, while Rodrygo may also return to the starting formation.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.

Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

Alonso will be demanding a strong response following European setbacks, with considerable improvement needed after what was a lackluster showing. Nevertheless, they won't be facing opposition of Liverpool's caliber on Sunday.

Rayo possess the ability to trouble Madrid with some talented offensive weapons, but they will struggle to contain Alonso's world-class attacking unit for extended periods.

Madrid should bounce back to winning form—and quite decisively.

Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1–3 Real Madrid