Real Madridmanaged to overpower Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. They will now return to La Liga to host Rayo Vallecano at home this weekend. It will be an important game for them as theyare fighting for the league title.
The Whites are third on the points table and are three points off the table-toppers. Hence, they cannot afford to drop even a single pointat this stage. This game will also set their mood for the second leg against their country rival next week.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs Rayo Vallecano
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will be donning the gloves for Real Madrid once again this weekend. Lucas Vázquez is likely to be the right-back position in the lineup.
While Raul Asencio should continue at the heart of the defence, Antonio Rudiger could be rested for this game. To fill his position, David Alaba might get the nod. Fran Garcia is also expected to make it into the left-back role at the cost of Ferland Mendy.
Thibaut Courtois
Real Madrid’s Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois puts his gloves on before the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Cadiz CF at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 4, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni continues to be the deep-lying midfielder but will have the services of Luka Modric alongside him. Joining the midfield, Jude Bellingham will be in action as his suspension period isnow over.
Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diazget the much needed rest to keep them fresh forthe Champions League gamenext week.
Attack
Rodrygo starts on the right flank once again with his countryman Vinicius Jr. taking care of the other side of the pitch. Kylian Mbappe hasn’t been able to put on impactful displays in recent games and will be desperate to return to scoring form.
Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos and Jesus Vallejo are all unavailable for this fixture.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs Rayo Vallecano