Real Madrid Set to Clash with Rayo Vallecano: Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Expected Starting XIs
Real Madrid will likely face another unfriendly reception at the Bernabéu when they welcome Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, aiming to secure their sixth consecutive league victory.
The 15-time European champions were soaring after three straight wins under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa before being brutally brought back to reality by Benfica, who inflicted a 4–2 defeat on Los Blancos in the Champions League. This result saw Real Madrid drop from the top eight into the knockout phase playoffs, where they'll meet José Mourinho's team once more.
Before turning their attention to the European encounter, the Spanish powerhouse must first concentrate on their domestic league. On the surface, 16th-placed Rayo Vallecano appears to offer an straightforward path for Real Madrid to return to winning form, but Iñigo Pérez's squad previously managed a scoreless stalemate against them in November.
Indeed, four of Los Blancos' previous five encounters with their local rivals have resulted in draws. However, anything short of victory for the home side will not only spark renewed crisis discussions at the world's most prestigious club, but also allow Barcelona to regain momentum in the La Liga championship battle.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the match.
What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano Kick Off?
What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano Kick Off?
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Real Madrid (LWWWL) | Rayo Vallecano (LLLWW) |
|---|---|
Benfica 4–2 Real Madrid | Rayo Vallecano 1–3 Osasuna |
Villarreal 0–2 Real Madrid | Celta Vigo 3–0 Rayo Vallecano |
Real Madrid 6–1 Monaco | Alavés 2–0 Rayo Vallecano |
Real Madrid 2–0 Levante | Rayo Vallecano 2–1 Mallorca |
Albacete 3–2 Real Madrid | Granada 1–3 Rayo Vallecano |
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN Select, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes, fubtoTV |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 2 |
Canada | TSN+, TSN3, TSN5 |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi |
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid remain without the same quartet of injured players: Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English defender has resumed training and is anticipated to return shortly, but given his extended absence during his inaugural campaign, the club will proceed cautiously with Alexander-Arnold's comeback.
Arbeloa has the rest of his squad at his disposal, including Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio, who both received red cards against Benfica. The pair must serve their one-match bans in the first leg of the knockout phase playoffs, but remain available for La Liga fixtures.
The Brazilian winger is expected to start on the right flank despite his poor decision-making on Wednesday, relegating Franco Mastantuono to the substitutes' bench. Arbeloa may consider reintroducing Eduardo Camavinga, but cannot risk losing Arda Güler's creative influence.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano (4-1-2-3): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni; Bellingham, Güler; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius Junior.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Rayo Vallecano will travel to the Bernabéu missing Abdul Mumin and Andrei Rațiu. The defender continues his recovery from an ACL injury, while the Romanian is dealing with a hamstring problem.
The positive development is that Iván Balliu has returned to training this week and might be available for Pérez, provided he clears his final fitness assessment. Nevertheless, Alfonso Espino is set to start at right-back and confronts the challenging task of containing Vinicius Junior.
Ilias Akhomach may also earn his first starting appearance since arriving at Rayo Vallecano on loan from Villarreal. The Moroccan winger entered as a substitute in his debut last weekend against Osasuna, but will be hoping for increased involvement on Sunday.
Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-3-3): Batalla; Espino, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarría; Palazón, Valentín, Díaz; Akhomach, De Frutos, A. García.
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano Score Prediction
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano Score Prediction
Previous encounters indicate a stalemate could be possible for Sunday's fixture, but it's difficult to envision Real Madrid—despite their Champions League setback—surrendering points to a side with just one victory in their last 11 league outings.
While Arbeloa's players may occasionally feel like visitors given the anticipated volume of crowd disapproval, they possess the attacking quality to capitalize on Rayo Vallecano's vulnerable defense. Kylian Mbappé, in particular, is displaying exceptional form and should contribute enough to guide his side to another triumph, maintaining the chase on league leaders Barcelona.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3–1 Rayo Vallecano