Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker:
Hoping to extend their buffer at the top of the La Liga table this weekend, Real Madrid will welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Bernabeu on Sunday night.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, mounting what was a stunning El Classico comeback away at defending champions Barcelona last weekend, Real Madrid have only continued to shine since opening up the 2023/24 campaign. Finding a route back to the top of the La Liga table and with many tipping Carlo Ancelotti’s side to recapture their domestic crown this season, the former AC Milan boss finds his superstar squad firing on all cylinders. Likewise, enjoying what has been a major Champions League romp and winning each of their first three European showdowns, Los Blancos will certainly be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Heading into October’s international break with a routine 4-0 victory against Osasuna, Ancelotti’s men have also gained a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil. In fact, Real Madrid have won each of their first five contests at the Bernabeu by an aggregate score 11-2.
Team News
Bagging a famous El Classico brace away at Barcelona last weekend and already notching 13 strikes in as many appearances across all competitions, the red-hot Jude Bellingham will once again have a key role to play on Sunday night. The former Birmingham starlet will be joined in the final third by Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior here.
Still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Los Blancos will be without the duo of Eder Militao and ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois this weekend. Impressing off the bench in Catalonia, 38-year-old Luka Modric could be handed a full recall at the Bernabeu.
Rayo Vallecano
As for the visitors, although Rayo Vallecano might open this weekend’s fixtures still firmly mixing it in the European chase, the Little Thunderbolts have certainly gained a real reputation as a stalemate specialist. Eventually snatching a dramatic last-gasp 2-2 draw at home against Champions League outfit Real Sociedad last weekend, Francisco’s side have remarkably settled for a single point in five of their previous six La Liga appearances. Although Los Franjirrojos might have continued to put points on the board since opening up the new campaign, Vallecano will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge when they travel across Madrid on Sunday night. Hit with a 2-1 loss when they last arrived at the Bernabeu while in top-flight action back on May 24th, Francisco’s men have lost each of their last 12 straight trips to Los Blancos a run that stems back over the past 23 years.
Team News
Forced to sever a one-match suspension and missing last weekend’s 2-2 stalemate against Real Sociedad, Vallecano will welcome back 29-year-old Oscar Valentin on Sunday night. Ahead of their trip to the Bernabeu, Francisco has reported a clean bill of health.
Although one-time Benfica striker Raul de Tomas might still be waiting to open his La Liga account this season, the 29-year-old is expected to keep his spot leading Vallecano’s charge. Coming off the bench and bagging a last-gasp equaliser against Sociedad last weekend, ex-Manchester United misfit Bebe could be handed a full recall here.
Key Factors to Consider
