Real Madrid to Face Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday for La Liga Matchday 27. For this tricky fixture, Carlo Ancelotti plans to field a team built for big matches.
After suffering a 2-1 defeat against Real Betis last weekend in La Liga, Real Madrid must turn things around with a victory this Sunday at the Bernabéu. To stay in the race for the Spanish league title this season, Ancelotti and his men cannot afford any more mistakes against a side they have failed to beat in their last three encounters (three draws). In this crucial match between the third and seventh-placed teams, any mistake could prove costly. As Ancelotti stated in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, he will not rest his key players ahead of the Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Atlético Madrid next Wednesday.
The two major changes Ancelotti could make
With Dani Ceballos, one of Madrid’s recent key players, sidelined due to injury, the squad is almost at full strength against Rayo Vallecano, particularly with Jude Bellingham returning to the team. For this 27th matchday, Ancelotti is expected to field a midfield trio of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, and most likely Luka Modrić. The Croatian veteran, who was on the bench against Atlético Madrid before coming on, has been the subject of recent contract extension talks and should reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
The other significant change is expected at left-back, where Fran García is likely to start in place of Ferland Mendy. To rest the 29-year-old French full-back ahead of Wednesday’s tough clash at the Civitas Metropolitano, Ancelotti is expected to trust Fran. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty surrounding Antonio Rüdiger, who did not train with his teammates on Saturday due to illness.
If the coaching staff decides not to take any risks with the German veteran, David Alaba could start against Rayo Vallecano. After a disastrous performance against Real Betis last week, the Austrian defender could return to the Madrid starting eleven alongside Raúl Asensio. As for the right-back position, Lucas Vázquez is set to start. Returning from injury, Federico Valverde is expected to begin on the bench and get a few minutes on the pitch before the crucial clash against Atlético Madrid.
Real Madrid’s Probable Lineup Against Rayo Vallecano
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Fran García, David Alaba, Raúl Asensio, Lucas Vázquez
Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modrić
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé
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