Real Madrid’s Challenging Visit to Rayo Vallecano

This Sunday, Real Madrid will visit Rayo Vallecano at 16:15 (live on MARCA.com), a venue that has posed significant challenges for them in recent years, as they have not secured a victory in Vallecas since 2022. Coach Xabi Alonso travels to southern Madrid with four notable absences: Tchouaméni, Mastantuono, Rüdiger, and Carvajal. However, he welcomes back David Alaba, who returns to the squad after overcoming a calf muscle injury.

Despite Alaba’s return, his inclusion is not expected to alter Alonso’s defensive strategy. Trent is likely to make his debut as a right-back, which would shift Valverde into the midfield. This area will miss Tchouaméni, one of their most valuable players, with Ceballos likely stepping into the starting lineup after being sidelined for three matches.

On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano is anticipated to field a more familiar lineup following their victory in the Conference League. The rotations in Europe have allowed Iñigo Pérez to arrive fresher for this important fixture at Vallecas. Although they suffered a heavy defeat in the last round (4-0 against Villarreal), the franjirrojos currently sit in eleventh place, five points clear of the relegation zone.