This is a crucial weekend for Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti`s squad desperately needs a victory, having secured only one win in their last five La Liga matches, as Los Blancos aim to close the gap on Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona. The encounter is set for Sunday, just three days before the second leg of their Madrid derby against Atletico, following Real Madrid`s 2-1 first-leg win at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Here is a look at the key details for the upcoming match:
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Sunday, March 9
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
- Watch: ESPN Deportes
- Odds: Real Madrid -360, Draw +450, Rayo Vallecano +900
Team News
Real Madrid: Boosted by the return of English midfielder Jude Bellingham from a two-game suspension, he is anticipated to rejoin the starting eleven. Key attackers Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. are also expected to feature.
Potential Real Madrid Starting XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Alaba, Fran Garcia; Modric, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Rayo Vallecano: The visiting side will be without Jorge de Frutos, who is suspended and unavailable for Sunday`s match.
Potential Rayo Vallecano Starting XI: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Hernandez, Chavarria; Diaz, Cisse; Embarba, Trejo, A Garcia; Guardiola.
Prediction
Real Madrid are widely favored to secure a comfortable win against Rayo Vallecano. Following a recent dip in league form and positioned between crucial Champions League fixtures, securing three points here is vital. A predicted scoreline sees Real Madrid winning 2-0.
