La Liga
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Preview
- Date: Dec. 15, 2018
- Time: 12:30 p.m. (est)
- Network: beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS Español
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 81,044
Though only five points separate them from first place, Real Madrid are wounded and look forward to taking on Rayo Vallecano after a crushing defeat at home against CSKA Moscow in Champions League.
‘Los Blancos‘ have found some sense of consistency under Santiago Solari but have been unable to make a mark.
Meanwhile, Rayo sits in 19th place with just 10 points and four points back from relegation safety. Though this comes as a great opportunity to climb out the hole, it all points out at that hole getting deeper for the ‘Los Vallecanos‘.
Team News
Solari’s side comes to this match with several concerns. Nacho will continue to be out for Madrid, while Casemiro, Mariano, Sergio Reguilon and Gareth Bale are all doubtful for Saturday’s match with injuries.
Recent reports indicate that Marcos Llorente will see action once again, while Toni Kroos will be on the bench.
Meanwhile, Rayo’s boss Michel has several injuries and suspensions against Real. Lass, Gael Kakuta and Gorka Elustondon will likely be scratch with injuries. Jordi Amat will serve a one-game suspension.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Ceballos, Llorente, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Vazquez.
Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski; Moreno,Galvez, Velazquez, Tito; Garcia, Comesana, Imbula, Advincular; Embarba Trejo.
Prediction
Real Madrid have shown being capable of returning from disappointing defeats. Several weeks ago they lost 3-0 against Eibar and bounced back to defeat Roma and Valencia.
However, ‘Los Blancos‘ will soon be traveling east for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. This pressure may play against them if they focus past Rayo.
Nevertheless, they will want to continue pressuring their rivals atop for the top spot.
There is a small slim chance at Rayo making a game out of this match. But it remains slim. Karim Benzema has been remarkable against them with seven goals of his own.
Real Madrid 4 – 1 Rayo Vallecano
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Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
