Real Madrid is set to face Rayo Vallecano this Sunday at Vallecas for the 12th round of La Liga, with kickoff scheduled for 16:15 CET on beIN Sports. The match presents a significant challenge for coach Xabi Alonso, who is grappling with multiple key absences that could impact his lineup.
The injury list for Real Madrid is concerning as they prepare to take on their local rivals. Dani Carvajal will not return until late December or early January following knee surgery. Antonio Rüdiger remains sidelined, adding to the defensive woes. Although David Alaba has resumed training and is likely to be included in the squad, Franco Mastantuono‘s situation is less certain due to a pubalgia. The midfield will also be without Aurélien Tchouameni, who is expected to miss around three weeks due to injury. This accumulation of absences will force Alonso to rethink his tactics and personnel.
Tactical Adjustments in the Midfield
With Tchouameni out, Alonso will need to adjust his midfield strategy significantly. Eduardo Camavinga is poised to start alongside Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham, while Arda Güler could also feature prominently in the setup. Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s return is expected to bolster the right flank, providing much-needed width and creativity. Up front, the dynamic duo of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé appears likely to lead the attack, although Brahim Diaz could also be an option as a right winger depending on Alonso’s final decisions.
Rayo Vallecano’s Challenge
Rayo Vallecano will not be an easy opponent. Under their current manager, they have shown resilience and tactical discipline. Their probable lineup includes Batalla in goal, with a solid defense featuring Ratiu and Lejeune. The midfield will be anchored by Pathé Ciss and Oscar Valentín, while Alvaro Garcia and Alemao provide attacking options upfront. This match could prove crucial for both teams as they look to secure vital points in their respective campaigns.
The stakes are high for Real Madrid as they navigate this injury crisis while aiming for a strong performance against Rayo Vallecano. Can they rise to the occasion despite these setbacks? Fans will be eagerly watching how Alonso manages his squad in this critical fixture.


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