Having taken three critical points against Atalanta in the Champions League midweek, Real Madrid return to action later today in a bid to take a big step in La Liga.
As the season nears its halfway mark, Los Blancos have the chance to overtake Barcelona if they win their game in hand and are doing better than initially anticipated.
A win later tonight against Rayo Vallecano will only further their case and give them a chance to improve their lead, especially with Barcelona set to take on in-form Atletico Madrid later this month.
To take three points, however, Carlo Ancelotti’s side must get the better of Rayo Vallecano who have been in decent form this season and are a side to reckon with at home.
Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid.
The rotation of injuries
Real Madrid missed Vinicius Jr. from the clash against Anfield and relatively struggled without their leader in the final third in recent weeks.
Kylian Mbappe, thus, took the spotlight and started on the left for Los Blancos, although he did not make the most of his chance and leave a mark.
The Brazilian returned from his setback against Atalanta midweek and everything seemed set for him to improve his chemistry with Mbappe once more until the Frenchman left the field injured.
From having one pioneering forward out injured to now losing the other key cog, Real Madrid have come a full circle and Mbappe will be unavailable for the game later today.
The question for the manager, thus, is how to organize his attacking department against Rayo Vallecano.
Vinicius and Rodrygo Goes are both expected to start, but the coach must choose if he will go for a 4-3-3 including Brahim Diaz or a 4-4-2 with an extra midfielder. After all, the gap left by the Frenchman’s absence can be used to strengthen the dynamic.
Who will partner Rudiger?
Tchouameni at CB again? (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
When Real Madrid needed a centre-back to step up the most, especially after Eder Militao’s season-ending injury, it was Raul Asencio who raised his hand and took on the responsibility.
From seeing out the game that saw the Brazilian mainstay injured to starting the following matches and carving out his name, the youngster did not lay a foot wrong and even played well at Anfield under the highest of pressure.
Despite not looking like the weak link at any point, however, Asencio was replaced in the starting lineup after Aurelien Tchouameni returned to complete fitness as the Frenchman took his place with ease.
Carlo Ancelotti, unsurprisingly, was asked about his decision to bench the defensive talent for a midfielder playing out of position. The manager initially played it down citing that the youngster required more time to recover but it now appears that his decision is binding.
Tomorrow’s starting lineup will clarify the suspicions as the manager must decide who will partner Antonio Rudiger in defence.
A tricky venue
The Estadio de Vallecas has proven to be tricky territory for the men in white in recent times, as it usually is for any visiting side at the venue.
Rayo Vallecano turn the heat up at their fortress with the crowd behind them creating a daunting atmosphere and it is well one of the most difficult away fixtures of the calendar.
Last season, the game between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano at the Vallecas ended in a 1-1 draw after a goalless second half and Dani Carvajal seeing a red card late in the game.
In 2022, the hosts even got the better of the Merengues in a 3-2 thriller. In fact, Real Madrid have beaten Rayo Vallecano at the venue only once in their last four meetings.
The Madrid-based side were one of the few teams to hold Los Blancos to two draws in La Liga last season despite the team’s ruthless form and that just goes to show how strong they can be in defense.
Relatively out of shape this time around, it will not be easy for the men in white to come back with three points. The opposition and the venue, both point to a tricky fixture ahead.