Table of Contents
- Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano – La Liga TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction
- Real Madrid are back in action after their Clasico success last weekend with a less daunting task in a home game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
- Real Madrid Host Rayo as Los Blancos Look to Strengthen Title bid
- Rayo Have Exceeded Expectations This Season
- Bellingham Heroics See Real Top El Clásico Thriller
- Match Details How to Watch, Time and Venue
- Things to Watch For at the Bernabéu
- Prediction Comfortable Home Win Expected for Real
- What time does Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano kick-off?
- How to watch Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano on TV and live stream
- Real Madrid team news
- Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano
- Rayo Vallacano team news
- Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
- Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano score prediction
- Real Madrid Set to Host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga Clash
- Real Madrid Form and Team News
- Rayo Vallecano Enter Match Punching Above Their Weight
- Match Details Time, Location, Where to Watch
- Five Key Questions Heading Into Sunday’s Match
- Match Prediction Statement Win for Real Madrid
- ASAP – Event Infrastructure Innovators
Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday. Preview includes team news, predicted lineups, how to watch on TV and live stream and more.
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano – La Liga: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction
✅Real Madrid lead La Liga after victory over Barcelona in El Clasico
✅Two Blancos stars signed new contracts during the week
✅Rayo Vallecano sit in eighth place with four wins from 11 games
Real Madrid are back in action after their Clasico success last weekend with a less daunting task in a home game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Real Madrid Vs Rayo Vallecano Lineups
Real Madrid Host Rayo as Los Blancos Look to Strengthen Title bid
Fresh off a season-defining El Clásico victory over bitter rivals Barcelona last weekend, Real Madrid return home to the bernabéu on Sunday to take on surprise package Rayo Vallecano in La Liga round 15 action.
Real currently sit top of the Spanish top flight on 35 points, four clear of Barca in second place. And Los Blancos will be aiming to strengthen their position at the summit when seventh place Rayo visit this Sunday.
Rayo Have Exceeded Expectations This Season
Heading into this campaign, few would have predicted Rayo Vallecano would be sitting as high up the La Liga table as eighth come the December fixture crunch. After narrowly surviving relegation last season, Rayo have taken a significant step forward under manager Andoni Iraola this term.
Iraola has his side well drilled and tough to break down, thanks in large part to stoic Macedonian goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. The former Eibar shot stopper has been in inspired form between the sticks, registering an impressive eight clean sheets in La Liga last campaign.
That defensive stability has Rayo scoring almost a goal per game more this season compared to last, seeing them tally 20 goals through 15 league fixtures thus far.
Veteran Colombian hitman Radamel Falcao has unsurprisingly been central to Los Franjirrojos’ scoring exploits this term. But a hamstring injury sees him miss this weekend’s clash. Instead, Iraola will look to Spanish forward Sergi Guardiola to spearhead Rayo’s attack.
Still, scoring goals has not been Rayo’s issue during a better than expected 2022/23 – it’s preventing them that will likely decide their fate on Sunday. Even with Dimitrievski in inspired form and a league joint-low 16 goals conceded, containing a rampant Real Madrid side fresh off their most pivotal win of the season to date represents a monumental ask.
Especially with Ballon d’Or winning striker Karim Benzema restored to Los Blancos starting XI after a brief injury absence.
Bellingham Heroics See Real Top El Clásico Thriller
Last time out, Real locked horns with bitter arch rivals Barcelona in a crucial top of the table El Clásico showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match ended in a hard fought 2-1 victory for the home side, thanks in large part to an inspired performance from English teenage midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham opened the scoring on the stroke of half time in his first ever El Clásico, reacting sharpest to slam home on the rebound after Marc-André ter Stegen had initially denied Karim Benzema from the spot. The 19-year-old then helped ensure maximum derby day spoils, sliding in late on with a heroic goal line clearance to prevent Robert Lewandowski’s header from stealing Barca a point late on.
That crucial win sees Real open up a valuable four point cushion on Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona with just seven matches remaining before the Liga takes a break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
After coming through last weekend’s grueling showdown unscathed, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to name an unchanged starting XI to take on Rayo on Sunday. So, Los Blancos should set up in a 4-3-3 system per usual, with Thibaut Courtois starting in goal behind a back four of Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy.
Tireless Croatian veteran Luka Modrić will form the midfield three alongside Aurelién Tchouaméni and Toni Kroos. While Benzema leads the line supported by in form wingers Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
That attacking trio have run riot in recent weeks. Vinícius continues to prove himself as one of world football’s most fearsome forwards – the pacy Brazilian international is La Liga’s joint third leading scorer so far with eight strikes. Likewise, fellow countryman Rodrygo has been in equally inspired form; the 21-year-old has notched seven goals of his own across just 12 Liga starts this campaign.
And with Mr. Champions League Karim Benzema now back fit and firing, Rayo face the ominous tasks of attempting to subdue perhaps the most lethal front three in world football this Sunday.
Match Details: How to Watch, Time and Venue
This La Liga round 15 encounter kicks off at 9pm CET in Madrid on Sunday, December 11th at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu – with a capacity crowd approaching 60,000 expected.
The match will be broadcast globally across over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Live English language coverage in the USA is available via ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ streaming. UK viewers can watch live on La Liga TV or Premier Sports.
In Spain, the game will be shown live on Movistar La Liga. Kick off is set for 9pm local time in Madrid.
Things to Watch For at the Bernabéu:
– Can Rayo’s defense hold up against Madrid’s fearsome attack?
With 31 goals in 15 Liga fixtures, Real boast the division’s most prolific offense. Rayo must produce a heroic defensive performance.
– Will Vinícius and Rodrygo continue blistering form?
The Brazilian duo have been central to Los Blancos’ success. Their electrifying pace could torment Rayo.
– Can Oscar Trejo spark an upset?
Rayo’s creative hub will need to be on top form pulling the strings if the visitors are to shock the Champions League holders.
– Will Benzema further strengthen Ballon d’Or claims?
Back fit and firing, the French hitman will aim to pick up where he left off to strengthen his credentials as the world’s best player.
Prediction: Comfortable Home Win Expected for Real
On the balance of talent, form and home field advantage, Real Madrid enter Sunday’s clash overwhelmingly favored to claim maximum points. Even against a Rayo Vallecano side exceeding expectations this term, it is hard to foresee any other outcome.
Rayo remain heavily reliant on discipline and organization to grind out results under Iraola. Yet combatting the fluid movement and individual brilliance within Real’s front six for 90 minutes seems a significant ask for even La Liga’s stingiest defense.
Our match prediction is for Carlo Ancelotti’s side to secure a comfortable 3-0 home victory, as Los Blancos’ frightening attack proves far too hot for valiant Rayo to handle.
What time does Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano kick-off?
Location: Madrid, Spain
Stadium: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Date: Sunday 5 November
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET / 13:00 PT
Referee: Juan Martinez
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Real Madrid: 3 wins
Rayo Vallecano: 2 wins
Draws: 0
Last meeting: Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano (24 May 2023) – La Liga
Current Form (all competitions)
Real Madrid: WWDWW
Rayo Vallecano: DDWDW
How to watch Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano on TV and live stream
Country：TV channel/live stream
United Kingdom：Viaplay Sports 1, LaLigaTV
United States：ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
Canada：TSN2, TSN+
Real Madrid Vs Rayo Vallecano Lineups – La Liga Team News
Real Madrid team news
Injury Woes Mount For Real Ahead of Rayo Clash
Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Sunday, as they play host to surprise package Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. Coming off a season-defining 2-1 El Clásico victory over rivals Barcelona last time out, Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently enjoy a four point cushion atop the Spanish top flight.
However, a mounting injury crisis threatens to derail Los Blancos’ title tilt. Ancelotti could be without up to six first team regulars this weekend, including four defensive starters.
Tchouameni The Latest Casualty
Real headed into last weekend’s monumental showdown with Barca already missing key midfield cog Aurelién Tchouaméni due to a shin issue. But the French destroyer was rushed back for the crucial clash.
Tchouameni ultimately lasted just 34 minutes upon his return, as he hobbled off early in the first half with a foot injury. Scans would later confirm damage to his metatarsal bone, which is set to keep the summer signing sidelined for around a month.
With Luka Modrić the only pure midfield option available, Ancelotti was forced to field an extremely makeshift double pivot alongside the Croatian maestro. Éder Militão dropped back from center half to deputize in midfield for over an hour before Fede Valverde entered the fray late on in place of Rodrygo.
More Bad News For Ancelotti
The loss of Tchouameni only further compounded Ancelotti’s selection issues, with Los Blancos already facing huge injury issues in defense.
First choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss his third straight La Liga encounter on Sunday as he continues recovery from a sciatic nerve issue. Backup shot stopper Andriy Lunin has deputized between the sticks admirably in Courtois’ absence so far.
Yet much greater concern comes at center back, with stalwarts Eder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger both currently sidelined. Highly rated young French defender Ferland Mendy also remains out at left fullback.
That leaves Ancelotti scrambling for solutions at the back. Veteran Nacho Fernández is line to start at center half, with summer signing Rüdiger still a number of weeks from a return to action following a thigh injury.
David Alaba could shift central to partner Nacho, with 34-year-old Dani Carvajal at right back and either Álvaro Odriozola or Eduardo Camavinga filling in on the left flank. But further injuries would leave Real desperately short on defensive reinforcements.
At least some positive news comes in the form of 20-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Güler’s return to training. Though whether the young playmaker is deemed ready to be thrown into the fire against seventh place Rayo on Sunday remains to be seen.
Brutal Stretch On The Horizon
Beyond this weekend’s clash with Rayo, Ancelotti must find solutions to patch together a starting XI amidst a brutal run of fixtures on the horizon for Real. They face top six sides Real Sociedad, Valencia and Villarreal over the next few weeks.
That comes alongside their final two Champions League group stage matches against RB Leipzig and Celtic, plus a Copa del Rey tie with fourth tier CF Cacereno.
Navigating such a hectic stretch minus so many key cogs could derail Los Blancos’ season at the most critical juncture. The Madrid faithful will be keeping a very keen eye on the club’s medical staff over the coming weeks, hoping to see defensive reinforcements return sooner rather than later.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-3-1-2): Arrizabalaga; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallacano team news
Rayo Receive Boost As Valentín Returns From Suspension
Ahead of Sunday’s daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabéu to face La Liga leaders Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano have received a welcome boost with the return of midfielder Óscar Valentín from suspension.
The 25-year-old combative midfielder missed Los Franjirrojos’ dramatic 2-2 draw away at fifth place Real Sociedad last weekend, as he served a one match ban for accumulated yellow cards. Rayo put in a spirited performance without Valentín away at Sociedad, fighting back from two goals down thanks to a 93rd minute equalizer from substitute Bebé.
That stunning late rally could prove a pivotal point in Rayo’s season, as the point preserved lifted them up to a shock seventh place position in La Liga. Building on that momentum this Sunday against defending Spanish champions Real will be a monumental ask. But having fiery enforcer Valentín back patrolling central midfield represents a major boost to manager Andoni Iraola’s options.
Since arriving from Segunda División side Ponferradina last summer, Valentín has quickly established himself as a core figure at the heart of Rayo’s lineup. No player in Iraola’s squad has attempted (71) or completed (42) more tackles than the all-action destroyer this term.
That combative presence to regain possession and disrupt opposition attacks is an integral part of Los Vallecanos’ play. Without Valentín snarling away in the engine room last weekend, Sociedad were able to frequently play through Rayo’s lines with ease during the first half.
But Rayo’s defense overall deserves immense credit for a defiant rearguard display last time out, clawing their way back despite falling two goals behind. Center back pairing Alejandro Catena and Ivan Balliu faced a difficult test trying to contain Real Sociedad’s free flowing attack. Yet the duo rose to the challenge magnificently, making 11 clearances, 5 blocks and 7 interceptions between them.
That staunch resilience at the back will be crucial if Rayo are to somehow frustrate star-studded Real Madrid on Sunday evening. Coping with Los Blancos’ endless waves of world class attacking talent will require an even greater rear guard effort this time around. Especially against the likes of Ballon d’Or winning striker Karim Benzema and electric wing duo Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
Dimitrievski Key to any Rayo Result
Yet as with any relegation threatened side punching above their weight, Rayo’s hopes rely heavily upon the performance of their goalkeeper if they are to come away from the Bernabéu with anything but a defeat.
Thankfully in Stole Dimitrievski, Rayo possess one of La Liga’s most underrated shot stopping talents. The North Macedonia international almost single handedly kept Rayo in Spain’s top flight at times last season courtesy of penalty saves and countless one-on-one denials.
This term, Dimitrievski has been just as influential between the sticks. His exploits are a major factor behind Rayo conceding the fourth fewest goals (16) of any side in the division so far.
For Rayo to have any chance of frustrating Real’s frightening offensive talent on Sunday, Dimitrievski will surely need to be at his absolute best. But the 28-year-old veteran keeper will no doubt relish the challenge.
If Dimitrievski can somehow repel the attacking onslaught he’ll face at the Bernabéu, then perhaps Oscar Valentín and this combative, spirited Rayo side can manage to escape with a hugely creditable point against the Champions League holders.
There are no fitness concerns for Francisco Rodriguez to contend with at the moment which means he should stay pretty loyal to the players who have been performing well so far. Bebe could well start given his heroics last weekend.
Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Mumin, Lejeune, Espino; Palazon, Ciss, Lopez, Garcia; Raul de Tomas, Bebe.
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano score prediction
Rayo Vallecano have made a good start to the season and look like they have the quality to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight, but that does not mean they’re likely to get anything away at Madrid.
With Jude Bellingham scoring goals for fun and Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo buoyed by new contracts, this confident Real Madrid side should tot up the goals on Sunday evening.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Rayo Vallecano
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Real Madrid Set to Host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga Clash
Real Madrid will welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, as Los Blancos look to continue their pursuit of league leaders Barcelona in La Liga. Real Madrid come into the match sitting second in the table, eight points behind Barca, and know they must claim all three points from this match if they are to keep their title hopes alive.
Real Madrid Form and Team News
Real Madrid have been in excellent form in La Liga as of late, having won their last five straight matches across all competitions. They are coming off a commanding 5-1 thrashing of Celtic in the UEFA Champions League midweek, which saw Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema bag a brace after missing Real’s previous two games through injury.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has relayed no new injuries to his side ahead of this weekend’s clash. And with Benzema proving his fitness against Celtic, Los Blancos will be at full strength as they look to continue their winning ways.
Ancelotti should have a full compliment of talent to choose from as Real Madrid look to lineup in their customary 4-3-3 formation on Sunday. Thibaut Courtois will marshal the backline, with Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy lining up as the back four.
A midfield trio of ball magician Luka Modrić, deep lying passer Toni Kroos, and tenacious stopper Aurélien Tchouaméni gives Real strength through the middle of the park. While up top, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo should flank the returning Benzema as Los Blancos front three.
That attacking trident will surely prove a difficult proposition for any side to contain based on recent form. Vinícius continues to cement himself as one of the world’s most dynamic forwards, having contributed eight goals and three assists to Real’s domestic campaign thus far. While Rodrygo has continued his rapid development for Los Blancos this season as well, notching up seven goals and three assists of his own.
And with Benzema now back fit and firing after his recent injury layoff, Real have their Ballon d’Or talisman prepared to lead the line once again. Benzema has scored five goals in just nine La Liga appearances this term, and Los Blancos’ title chances rest heavily upon the Frenchman as their prime scoring option.
Rayo Vallecano Enter Match Punching Above Their Weight
Sunday’s visitors Rayo Vallecano have been one of the surprise packages of the 2022/23 La Liga season thus far. After narrowly avoiding relegation last campaign, manager Andoni Iraola has led an incredible turnaround at the modest Madrid-based club this season.
Rayo head into Sunday’s monumental clash punching well above their perceived weight class, currently sitting seventh in the La Liga table. But while European qualification spots appear a realistic possibility for Los Franjirrojos this term, they face an almighty task to return from the Bernabéu with anything this weekend.
Iraola will have had his side intensely preparing on the training ground this week, getting set to face the most in-form attacking trident in world football right now. The Basque manager has Rayo set up in a conservative 5-3-2 system this term to make them harder to breakdown.
He does have some injury troubles coming into this match however, as star striker Radamel Falcao is out of action with a hamstring issue. So the onus will fall onto Sergi Guardiola to lead the line, supported by playmaker Oscar Trejo in behind.
Rayo have shown impressive defensive discipline under Iraola this campaign, conceding the fourth fewest goals of any La Liga side thus far with 16 let in across their 15 matches. But centre back pairing Alejandro Catena and Ivan Balliu face a fierce test on Sunday, coming up against Benzema, Vinicius and Rodrygo.
For Rayo to have any chance at a positive result this weekend, they will likely require an otherworldly performance in goal from Stole Dimitrievski. The Macedonian shot stopper kept eight clean sheets in La Liga last campaign and has been outstanding once again this season. He could prove Los Franjirrojos’ best hope of somehow frustrating Real’s plethora of attacking superstars on Sunday afternoon.
But Rayo have often struggled against elite opposition under Iraola, failing to win any of their last five matches against La Liga’s traditional top four clubs. While Real Madrid are unbeaten across their last 15 home games against Rayo in the Spanish top flight.
Match Details: Time, Location, Where to Watch
This La Liga round 15 encounter will kick off at 3pm CET local time in Madrid on Sunday, December 11th. The match will take place at Real’s iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu – with a capacity crowd of over 60,000 expected to generate an intense atmosphere to welcome struggling Rayo.
The match is scheduled to be broadcast globally in over 200 territories worldwide. For viewers in the United State, the game will be shown live on ESPN Deportes, with streaming available via ESPN+ and Hulu. Meanwhile UK viewers can tune into La Liga TV or Premier Sports to watch the match live. Check local listings for channel details.
In Spain, kick off will be at 9pm local time. The game will be shown live on Movistar La Liga and ViX streaming platforms, while is scheduled to be aired globally in over 200 countries.
Match odds are heavily stacked in favor of Real Madrid coming into this contest, installed as massive 1/6 betting favorites with most bookmakers. While Rayo Vallecano sit out at lengthy odds of 14/1 underdogs. A draw after 90 minutes sits around 15/2 as the least favored outcome.
Five Key Questions Heading Into Sunday’s Match
Can Rayo’s stingy defense hold Real at bay?
Real have hit 15 goals across their last five matches across all competitions. They boast arguably the most fearsome front three in world football right now. So Rayo will need an almighty rear guard effort to keep Los Blancos out on Sunday.
Is Benzema back to 100% fitness?
After two matches sidelined, Benzema bagged a brace in his return midweek against Celtic. The 34-year-old looks back to peak condition. If he is firing on all cylinders, Rayo are in for some serious trouble.
Will Modrić roll back the years against former club?
The 37-year-old midfield Maestro began his career at Dinamo Zagreb and spent five seasons with crosstown rivals NK Inter Zapresic. Expect the 2018 Ballon D’or winner to pull the strings on Sunday.
Can Oscar Trejo spark an upset? The talented Argentine playmaker has been Rayo’s creative fulcrum once again this season. Supplying chances and four goals from attacking midfield. Trejo staying quiet would significantly dent Rayo’s hopes.
Is there a repeat of 2002 on the cards?
The only previous meeting between these sides at the Bernabéu in La Liga ended in a shock 2-1 win for Rayo Vallecano thanks to goals from Albert Ferrer and José Morcillo 20 years ago. It remains one of the great upsets in Spanish domestic football history. Rayo will be dreaming of lighting striking twice this Sunday.
Match Prediction: Statement Win for Real Madrid
On paper, Los Blancos boast talent levels that should prove far too much for this weekend’s opponents to handle across 90 minutes.
Ancelotti’s side head into this clash amidst a rich vein of form, averaging over three goals a game over their last five outings. Back on home soil and with Benzema restored to the lineup, Real appear poised to strengthen their position as La Liga’s preeminent attacking force on Sunday.
Meanwhile the visitors offer an intriguing clash of styles, seeking to stifle through conservative tactics. Yet keeping Real Madrid’s terrifying trident off the scoresheet seems a tall task at the Bernabéu.
The pace and trickery from Vinícius Jr and Rodrygo out wide should cause Rayo problems. Combine that with chances for Toni Kroos to spray passes around from deep and Modric pulling the midfield strings.
Our prediction is for Real Madrid’s offensive armory to prove simply too much, blowing Rayo away with a statement victory. Back Los Blancos to claim a comfortable 4-0 win.
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