Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Lineups, Preview, Prediction and Team News | La Liga, December 14, 2024

Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Preview

• Tournament: La Liga
• Date: Saturday, December 14
• Kick-off Time: 08:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Estadio de Vallecas, Puente de Vallecas. 

With FC Barcelona drawing their last game against Real Betis, defending La Liga champions Real Madrid CF have a bright chance in this away fixture to pick up a lead in the points table. This is only the 16th league game for hosts Rayo Vallecano, while it’s the 17th one for Real Madrid.

Rayo Vallecano are a mid-table side so far in the Spanish top tier. With five wins, six losses, and four draws, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that they have been inconsistent majorly. Coach Inigo Perez needs to keep his nerves calm while facing the reigning champions, but surely they should look for full points against an injury-filled Madrid side. However, a draw might also satisfy them.

Real Madrid CF just won their last league game against Girona, after a sudden loss to Athletic Club Bilbao. They also won a thriller against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League group phase. They finally are looking to shape strong after the initial losses they suffered this season. Only a win would satisfy them now, as this would also let them gain the top spot in place of rivals Barca.

Rayo Vallecano Team News

Rayo Vallecano have only one injury concern: 30-year-old forward Raul de Tomas. So, they have an almost full squad, decreasing the tensions of head coach Inigo Perez.

Real Madrid Team News

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid CF have suffered from repeated injuries since the start of the season. The list has only grown longer. The players injured and out of the game are Alaba, Militao, Dani Carvajal, Camavinga, and Mbappe.

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Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Predicted Lineups

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup:

Goalkeeper: Alex Batalla

Defenders: Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Pep Chavarria

Midfielders: Jorge de Frutos, Ciss, Oscar Valentin, Alvaro Garcia

Forwards: Nteka, Isi Palazon

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Courtois

Defenders: Lucas Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Mendy

Midfielders: Fede Valverde, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior

Forward: Endrick

Head-to-Head Record

Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid CF have met a total of 44 times to date. In those meetings, Rayo Vallecano won 7 games only, whereas Real Madrid CF won only 32 games. 5 games ended in a draw. Records indicate that Real Madrid CF have been the dominant side.

Key Players to Watch in Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid

Óscar Valentín (Rayo Vallecano)

The captain will have a lot of responsibilities in this game. He needs to block three world-class midfielders: Valverde, Modric and Bellingham. Besides marking and blocking he also has to make intelligent of-the-bal movements and try to limit the star-studded Real Madrid midfield.

He has featured in all 15 games for the club, starting in 12 and coming off the bench in three. He has been one of the calmest and most responsible players, leading from the front. His only yellow in the ongoing league came against Sevilla FC. If he manages to pull off an extra-special performance, Real Madrid might feel tough to operate.

Endrick (Real Madrid)

The 18-year-old has received some unnecessary trolls since his arrival this summer at the Real Madrid camp. Maybe it was because of the huge price tag he came with. Now, with Mbappe having a hamstring pull he might need some rest.

So, Endrick might get his first La Liga start. If he manages to score in the game, it will surely make Carlo Ancelotti and the entire club think-tank think about giving him more minutes, and start to raise his morale for the club’s future, given the side desperately needs a striker. Endrick’s electric pace and finishing skills can be a huge benefit against the weak defense of Rayo Vallecano.

Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid are expected to win with ease in this away fixture, as they are finally sailing with good form, and the top spot at stake will push them more. Also, Real Madrid CF have a much stronger squad, which stands no competition to hosts Rayo Vallecano.

Predicted Score: Rayo Vallecano 1-3 Real Madrid

Also Read: Mallorca vs Girona Lineups, Preview, Prediction and Team News | LaLiga, December 14, 2024

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