Rayo Vallecano will host La Liga table toppers Real Madrid on Sunday

La Liga table toppers Real Madrid will face the 14th-placed Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas in match 25 of La Liga 2023/2024 on Sunday, 18 February 2024. Los Blancos won without conceding in its last two matches when they defeated Granada 4-0 in La Liga and hosts RB Leipzig 1-0 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.

When Madrid defeated Girona, the English striker Jude Bellingham scored two goals but had to be replaced due to injury. He was also absent against Leipzig, where Madrid won courtesy of Brahim Diaz's only goal. The victory over Girona put Los Blancos at the top, while the victory over Leipzig allowed them to progress to the quarter-finals. Against Rayo, Madrid is certainly aiming for victory and extend their points tally to the top.

Seeing their opponents’ performance, Visitors' chances of winning are believed to be very much favourable based on their past meetings. The Red Sashes only won 2 times in the last 20 matches against Madrid in all competitions (W2-D1-L17). The Hosts only won 5 times in La Liga this season and secured 14th place in the league and they always lost with a score of 1-2 in the last 3 matches in La Liga.

Rayo lost the last 3 home matches in La Liga against the likes of Valencia, Las Palmas and Sevilla. Madrid is unbeaten in the last 18 matches in La Liga, winning 14 games and 4 matches ended in a draw. Los Blancos won the last 3 away matches in La Liga against the likes of Alaves, Las Palmas and Getafe. It is going to be a good contest between the two Spanish sides but we reckon Real Madrid to win this match comfortably.

Match Details

Match: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid

Date: Sunday, February 18, 2024

Time: 06:30 PM IST

Venue: Estadio de Vallecas

Last 5 Meetings: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid

Probable Playing XI: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid

Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski; Espino, Lejeune, Mumin, Balliu; Ciss, Unai Lopez, Valentin; Garcia, Camello, Palazon.

Coach: Inigo Perez.

Squad info: Chavarria (doubtful).

Real Madrid: Lunin; Garcia, Nacho, Tchouameni, Carvajal; Kroos, Camavinga, Valverde; Diaz; Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo.

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.

Squad info: Mendy (suspended), Courtois (injured), Alaba (injured), Militao (injured), Rudiger (injured), Vinicius Junior (doubtful), Bellingham (doubtful).

Match Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 0-3 Real Madrid