David Alaba, Luka Modric, and Jude Bellingham will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Real Madrid will aim to go level on points with Barcelona atop La Liga when they welcome Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon. Carlo Ancelotti has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Jude Bellingham will finally return after serving his suspension. So, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Dani Ceballos are the only players on the sidelines, with Ceballos the closes to returning among the trio.
Sunday’s game might see Federico Valverde earning some rest ahead of the return leg in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti discussed Valverde and spoke about the team’s attacking players.
The Real Madrid manager said, “He’s available. He got back just in time for the Atlético, game but he came through it well and he’s improving. Of course he can play. As for his position, I am well aware of where he doesn’t enjoy playing so much, which is at right-back. He loves playing at the base of midfield, centrally or as a winger. He’ll be one of the best in the world in the future, he already is, in fact. I believe his career will be in central midfield going forward.”
“I don’t weigh up how each player performs in every single game. Sometimes it’s Rodrygo who stands out, others it might be Vini Jr., Bellingham or Mbappé. The important thing for me is that the whole teams works well in both attack and defence. There’s no jealousy here. If Rodrygo has a great game, the others are pleased. That’s very important.”
Thibaut Courtois will take his spot between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-4-2 against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The backline should feature Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia.
As for the midfield unit, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham will take up the wide slots, while Luka Modric will pair up with Aurelien Tchouameni in the central areas. Finally, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will be the two strikers for the home side.
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Predicted XI
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Alaba, Fran Garcia; Rodrygo, Modric, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior