Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: Match preview | OneFootball

After a triumphant first leg in the Round of 16 against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League midweek, Real Madrid are back in action in La Liga as they look to bounce back to winning ways in the Spanish top division having lost versus Real Betis last weekend. Los Blancos host Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 27 on Sunday, March 9th, at 16:15 local time.

The big boost for Carlo Ancelotti is the return of Jude Bellingham from suspension after the Englishman missed the Champions League match as well as the last couple of La Liga outings.

Antonio Rudiger, however, is doubtful after missing the team’s final training session before the match, whereas Federico Valverde might be rested although he is in the final stages of recovery from a muscular issue. Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo are confirmed absentees, on the other hand.

With next week’s Champions League Round of 16 second leg away to Atletico Madrid in mind, Carlo Ancelotti will be expected to tinker with his team and give the lesser-used players some minutes.

One of the players to keep an eye on in the starting eleven will be Kylian Mbappe, who has gone without a goal in his last three games and will look to break the duck versus Rayo on Sunday.

Rayo Vallecano come into the game sitting in seventh place in the La Liga standings. They will bid to continue their push for a European berth over the remainder of the season and the game at the Bernabeu would have been earmarked as a vital one by the visitors.

Their injury issues are grave, however, as former Real Madrid academy stars Jorge de Frutos and Raul de Tomas will miss out due to suspension and illness, respectively. Unai Lopez, Abdul Mumin, Jonathan Montiel, Isi Palazon, Randy Nteka and Sergio Camello have all been ruled out due to injuries as well.

De Frutos’ absence could be especially influential for the away side, given that he has the most goal contributions amongst the Rayo Vallecano players in La Liga this season. The 28-year-old has four strikes and three assists to his name.

The reverse clash between the two Madrid-based teams ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Vallecas at the backend of 2024. Real turned around a 2-0 deficit but Rayo hit back late to ensure a share in spoils. And while the visitors may take a point on their visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Merengues will need all three to remain hot on Atletico Madrid’s and Barcelona’s heels in the title race.