2 key changes from the Champions League win: 4-2-3-1 Real Madrid Predicted XI vs Rayo Vallecano
A local derby is on offer on Saturday evening, as Real Madrid entertain Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu in a La Liga fixture.
Los Blancos tasted their first defeat of the 2026/27 season at the hands of Real Betis last weekend. They managed to bounce back with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan in their opening Champions League fixture earlier this week.
Nine points from an available 12 has left Jose Mourinho’s men in third spot in the La Liga table, three points behind the reigning champions Barcelona. So, they cannot afford to drop many points this season, given Barcelona’s quality and how they began their title defence.
Real Madrid Team News
Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga will be back in the squad after missing the Champions League clash with Inter through suspension.
Meanwhile, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy remain sidelined through injury.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois came up with a stellar performance to help Real Madrid beat Inter Milan on Wednesday. He will continue in goal.
Defence
Mourinho is likely to stick with the backline that starred in the win over Inter. Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella should operate as the full-backs in the Real Madrid lineup, trying to make an impact on both sides of the pitch.
Dean Huijsen should line up beside Ibrahima Konate in the heart of Real Madrid’s defence. The duo have to be at their best to keep Sergio Camello and Co. at bay.
Midfield
Bernardo Silva should walk straight back into the Real Madrid lineup after missing the Champions League fixture. He will partner Federico Valverde in the middle of the park, tasked with controlling play and creating openings in the final third for the forwards.
Jude Bellingham is one of the first names on the team sheet. The England star has started the new campaign very well, and he’ll be key to unlocking the disciplined Rayo defence.
Aurelien Tchouameni made his recovery from a muscular injury, coming off the bench against Inter, playing 12 minutes. He could get minutes in the second half.
Brahim Diaz will drop to the bench, despite a strong display in the victory over Inter.
Attack
Kylian Mbappe will lead the line, hoping to continue his sizzling start to the new season. The Frenchman will be supported in attack by the pacey, direct and creative Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr.
Big-money summer signing Yan Diomande is likely to feature off the bench for Los Blancos, while fit-again Endrick will also be vying for minutes against Rayo.
football formations
2 key changes from the Champions League win: 4-2-3-1 Real Madrid Predicted XI vs Rayo Vallecano 1
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