Real Madrid could clinch the top spot in La Liga with a win over Rayo Vallecano at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on Saturday night.
Rayo Vallecano will look to build on their recent win when they host defending champions Real Madrid at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on Saturday night. While they did end their three-match losing streak in their last outing, the home team are now prepared to square up against one of the most dominating teams in Spain.
The hosts are 12th on the points table, with 19 points in their 15 outings thanks to five wins, four draws and six defeats. While they did have a decent start, Rayo Vallecano have lost three out of their last four league outings pushing them into the bottom half of the table.
But, having won 1-0 against Valencia in their last outing, Rayo Vallecano will be confident of putting up a strong fight against Real Madrid, who have been a touch inconsistent this season. Carlo Ancelotti’s team are currently second on the points table with 36 points in their 16 outings.
The reigning La Liga champions are just two points behind league leaders Barcelona with a game in hand. A win here will see them go top, with the Catalan giants not playing until Sunday night. Since losing 2-1 to Athletic Club, Real Madrid have bounced back with a 3-0 win over Girona and then a 3-2 victory against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League.
While they have quite a few injuries to deal with, things have slowly started to click, and Ancelotti will hope they secure their 12th win of the league campaign. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Rayo Vallecano
The home team will be without the services of Pelayo Fernandez and Raul de Tomas. But, apart from the duo, everyone else is fully fit to take part in this fixture. Having put up a strong display against Valencia last time out in their 1-0 win, it won’t be a surprise if the home side line up with exactly the same players.
Rayo Vallecano will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Augusto Batalla will take charge in goal. Andrei Ratiu and Pep Chavarria will be the full-backs for the home team, while Florian Lejeune and Abdul Mumin will feature in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Pathe Ciss will partner Oscar Valentin. The duo will not only shield the back line but also look to ensure that the Real Madrid midfielders do not get to dictate the pace of the game.
Isi Palazon will be the creative midfielder with Jorge de Frutos and Alvaro Garcia Rivera providing the much-needed width to their attacks. Randy Nteka will lead the line for Rayo Vallecano against Real Madrid on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Ciss, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, Alvaro Garcia; Nteka
Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior’s goal on his return was a boost for Real Madrid. However, they ended up suffering a fresh injury blow in the game against Atalanta, as Kylian Mbappe was subbed off with a problem in the thigh of his left leg.
The French international will be unavailable for this fixture, and he has joined David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines.
Los Blancos could also line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Thibaut Courtois should continue in goal. Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia should be the full-backs, with Aurelien Tchouameni set to continue in the heart of the defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
As for the midfield unit, Dani Ceballos could start alongside Federico Valverde as the double pivot. They will look to ensure Real Madrid dictate the pace of the game. Jude Bellingham will be the number ten with Brahim Diaz and Vinicius on the flanks. Meanwhile, Rodrygo should lead the line for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano in the absence of Mbappe.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Ceballos, Valverde; Brahim, Bellingham, Vinicius; Rodrygo
Key Stats
- Rayo Vallecano have only scored 15 goals in their 15 outings, which is the joint-fourth worst attacking record in La Liga.
- Los Blancos have dropped points in four out of their eight away league games. (D3 L1)
- Inigo Perez’s team have only picked up eight points out of a possible 21 at home this season.
- Los Franjirrojos managed to hold Real Madrid to a draw both home and away last season.
- The home team have only won seven out of their last 44 games against the team in white.
Player to Watch
Rodrygo
The 23-year-old Brazilian winger has been a shadow of his former self so far in the new season. Rodrygo has been involved in 18 matches, and he has just three goals and two assists to his name.
Injuries have troubled the South American attacker, and he has not had the kind of impact he has had over the last few seasons. Rodrygo will most likely start up top here, and he will be eager to get himself back at his best.
Prediction
Rayo Vallecano 1-4 Real Madrid
Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid are both heading into this fixture on the back of consecutive wins across the competition. While the home team will be confident of putting up a strong fight against one of the Spanish giants, there is a significant difference in the quality of both sides, and that could reflect on the scoreline. The Hard Tackle predicts a 4-1 win for Real Madrid.
