Real Madrid will be back in action in La Liga on Sunday against Rayo Vallecano after winning a Champions League game midweek.
It will be a tricky clash for the hosts as Andoni Iraola’s men are capable to trouble them. Rayo’s side has already defeated FC Barcelona this season.
The defensive performance of Los Blancos in recent games was very questionable, and Carlo Ancelloti will surely have to solve this issue.
Gareth Bale is back from injury and has trained with the team, but Ancelloti, in his press conference, said Bale will not play against Rayo. Dani Ceballos, Mariano Diaz, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo will be at the sidelines alongside the Welshman.
The newly-promoted club has already impressed everyone with their performance and is in the top half of the points table with 20 points more than top clubs like Barca and Valencia.
The Whites from Madrid will have to secure the victory against Rayo at Bernabeu to be among the league leaders.
Here is our predicted Real Madrid XI for the game against Rayo Vallecano:-
Goalkeeper:- Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian will continue his presence in the goal and will hope to keep a clean sheet at home.
Defenders:- Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal.
The Frenchman is Ancelloti’s first-choice left-back and will feature in every crucial game. Mendy provides stability both defensively as well as offensively.
The pair of David Alaba and Militao can continue to play in the center as usual. The duo needs to be on their toes the entire game against the experienced Radamel Falcao, who is very lethal inside the box.
Dani Carvajal’s presence on the right is very benefitting for the team because he is industrious on the wing and is unshakeable defensively.
Midfielders:- Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric.
Kross will once orchestrate the game from the back and will be crucial to control the tempo of the game. The German is very composed on the ball and is very accurate with his passes.
Casemiro needs to be rock-solid and assist the backline to resist Rayo’s attacks. The Brazilian also needs to be very productive with his possession.
Modric will start alongside Kroos and Casemiro and will try to unlock the opposition’s defense.
Forwards:- Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Lucas Vazquez.
Vinicius is an electrifying form and cannot be left out of the lineup. The Brazilian is very efficient in creating chances and also converting them. Vini Jr. torments the defense with his blistering pace and exquisite footwork.
Benzema is the top score in La Liga with nine goals and would like to increase his goal tally.
Vazquez can play at the right-wing, which is his natural position. The Spaniard was excellent with his crosses and quick movements against Shakhtar and can be included in the lineup.
Real Madrid XI against Rayo Vallecano:- Thibaut Courtois,Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal,Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Lucas Vazquez.
The encounter will take place at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday (1.30 a.m. IST).
