Real Madrid will look to bounce back from a difficult loss in the UEFA Champions League when they host city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Madrird suffered a 4-2 loss to Benfica on the final matchday of the UCL league phase, with the Portuguese side scoring a late goal courtesy of goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to qualify for the knockout round playoffs.
The loss meant that Los Blancos dropped into ninth in the tournament standings, missing out on a bye to the Round of 16. They'll meet Benfica again in a two-legged knockout playoff.
Madrid still sit one point behind La Liga leaders FC Barcelona, and have won their last five games in league play.
Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, are just two points above the relegation zone in 16th place and have lost their last two.
The earlier meeting this season between the two sides resulted in a 0-0 draw at Vallecas.
Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo in action
When: Sunday, February 1 – 8AM ET / 5AM PT
Where: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Where to watch in the United States: ESPN+
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Betting Odds
kylian mbappe
Real Madrid to win: -400
Draw: +500
Rayo Vallecano to win: +950
Both teams to score (Yes/No): -112 / -112
Over/Under 3.5 goals: +120 / -148
Kylian Mbappé first goalscorer: +175
Vinicius Jr. anytime goalscorer: -105
Jude Bellingham to score or assist: -130
Kylian Mbappé to score 2 or more goals: +195
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.
Rayo Vallecano Team News and Predicted Lineup
Rayo Vallecano players pose for a team group photo before the match vs Barcelona
LaLiga - Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona - Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain - August 31, 2025 Rayo Vallecano players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Augusto Batalla (GK) – Alfonso Espino, Florian Lejeune, Pathé Ismael Ciss, Joseph Chavarria – Oscar Valentin, Pedro Diaz – Carlos Martin, Izi Palazon, Alvaro Garcia – Jorge de Frutos.
Real Madrid Team News and Predicted Lineup
Madrid MixCollage-19-Jan-2026-02-51-PM-2198
Expect Alvaro Arbeloa to make some changes to the squad that suffered defeat in Portugal on Wednesday.
Rodrygo should come into the starting lineup in place of Franco Mastantuono, lining up in the front three alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr.
Eduardo Camavinga could enter the midfield instead of Arda Guler, joining Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham.
The backline should remain unchanged, despite Raul Asencio being sent off in the loss to Benfica.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras – Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham – Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.
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