JAKARTA - The defending La Liga champion, Real Madrid, will try to return to winning ways when they host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday 9 March. This match is predicted to be an interesting match, considering Rayo is competing for European competition tickets.
Los Blancos lost 2-1 to Real Betis last weekend, which makes them now third in La Liga standings, three points behind leaders Barcelona. Meanwhile, Rayo ranks seventh with a two-point difference from Real Betis in sixth position.
Real Madrid suffered their fourth league defeat this season at Sevilla last week, where their former player, Isco, became an inspiration for Real Betis' victory.
Even though the situation is still under control, Real Madrid must return to winning ways this weekend. Los Blancos just featured in the Champions League last Tuesday, beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the last 16. They are also still fighting in the Copa del Rey, where they are 1-0 up against Real Sociedad in the semifinals to be played in early April.
The next two matches in La Liga will also not be easy for Real Madrid, after facing Rayo, they will travel to Villarreal headquarters who are struggling to break through the top four.
In the history of the last meeting, Rayo Vallecano has proven to be an difficult opponent for Madrid. The last three meetings in La Liga ended in a draw, including a 3-3 result in the previous match of the season. Last season, Rayo even managed to hold Madrid without a goal at the Bernabeu.
The last time Rayo won at home to Real Madrid was in January 1996 with a score of 2-1. However, they also suffered a crushing 10-2 defeat in December 2015.
Los Franjirrojos, who last season only finished in 17th place, has the opportunity to make a new history by penetrating the European zone. Currently, they are only two points adrift of Real Betis in sixth place.
However, their recent performance has been less convincing, only picking up one point in the last three games after losing to Barcelona and Villarreal and drawing 1-1 against Sevilla.
However, Rayo performed quite well this season away, winning 17 points from 13 matches. However, Madrid have an impressive home record, with 31 points from 12 matches at the Bernabeu.
In this match, Real Madrid will get additional strength with the return of Jude Bellingham from suspension. The English midfielder is confirmed to be included in the starting XI in this match.
However, Los Blancos are still missing some key players such as Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo due to injury.
There are concerns about Federico Valverde's fitness, so he may be rested. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is expected to start despite having problems with his teeth affecting his performance in recent matches.
Antonio Rudiger may be given a break, with David Alaba likely to enter as a starter. Luka Modric and Fran Garcia also have the potential to be played as part of the rotation before the second leg against Atletico Madrid next week.
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Rayo Vallecano experienced a player crisis ahead of this match, with the absence of several pillars such as Raul de Tomas, Abdul Mumin, Randy Nteka, Isi Palazon, Sergio Camello, Unai Lopez, and Jonathan Montiel due to injury.
In addition, Jorge de Frutos also had to be absent due to suspension, which further narrowed the choice of coach Inigo Perez in compiling his team.
Sergi Guardiola and Aridane Hernandez are expected to enter the starting XI after Nteka and Mumin were injured while drawing 1-1 against Sevilla.
Real Madrid will try to bounce back after losing to Real Betis, and with a strong home record, they are favorite to win. Rayo Vallecano has indeed been a troublesome opponent in recent meetings, but the condition of their limp squad could be an advantage for Los Blancos.
Estimated Lineup Of Players
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Alaba, F Garcia; Modric, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Hernandez, Chavarria; Diaz, Cisse; Embarba, Trejo, A Garcia; Guardiola
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Rayo Vallecano
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