Real Madrid aim to extend perfect Bernabéu run against depleted Rayo

Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga tonight, with kick-off at the Santiago Bernabéu scheduled for 21:00 CEST. José Mourinho’s side are strong favourites, although the Portuguese coach has warned that Rayo remain capable of causing problems despite their lengthy list of absentees.

THE BERNABÉU REMAINS PERFECT

Madrid have won all three of their home matches this season. They defeated Real Sociedad and Málaga in LaLiga before beating Inter 2–1 in the Champions League in midweek.

That European victory provided an important response to the 1–0 league defeat away to Real Betis. Mourinho’s team now want to regain momentum domestically and record a fourth consecutive home win in all competitions.

“Rayo come here after a victory and they have already shown their quality. We respect the opponent,” Mourinho said before the game. His message was clear: Madrid’s superior squad and Rayo’s personnel problems cannot become an excuse for complacency.

MOURINHO REGAINS IMPORTANT OPTIONS

Raúl Asencio and Endrick have both returned to the matchday squad. Their availability gives Mourinho additional depth in defence and attack.

Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva are also back after missing the Champions League meeting with Inter through suspension. Their return is particularly valuable during a demanding sequence that will take Madrid to Elche on Tuesday before another derby against Atlético Madrid.

Kylian Mbappé enters the fixture as Madrid’s leading scorer this season, with five goals in five competitive appearances. His pace and movement could be decisive against a Rayo defence forced to cope with several unavailable players.

RAYO TRAVEL WITH MAJOR SELECTION PROBLEMS

According to “AS”, seven Rayo players are either unavailable or serious doubts. Jorge de Frutos and Fran Pérez are suspended, while Joshua Vertrouwd, Isi Palazón, Randy Nteka and Augusto Batalla are dealing with injuries. Iván Balliu is attempting to recover from an ankle problem in time to feature.

Marash Kumbulla could return, offering coach Beñat San José at least one piece of positive news. The Rayo manager admitted that his squad is short of options but insisted that the visitors will compete with their usual identity.

Rayo have yet to collect a point away from home this season. However, they remain unbeaten in their home fixtures after defeating Racing Santander and drawing with Deportivo Alavés. Sergio Camello, who has already scored five times, represents their clearest attacking threat.

HISTORY FAVOURS MADRID

Real Madrid have won 33 of the 46 league meetings between the two clubs. Rayo have recorded six victories, with seven matches ending in draws. The visitors’ only league win at the Bernabéu came in 1996.

Madrid won last season’s home fixture 2–1, while the reverse meeting ended goalless. History, squad quality and current availability all favour Mourinho’s team. The challenge is to turn those advantages into another controlled performance rather than allowing a depleted opponent to stay in the contest.

PREDICTED LINE-UPS

Real Madrid: Courtois – Dumfries, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Cucurella – Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, Bellingham – Arda Güler, Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé.

Rayo Vallecano: Cárdenas – Ratiu, Lejeune, Pathé Ciss, Pedrosa – Óscar Valentín, Bouare, Unai López, Pedro Díaz – Álvaro García, Camello.

These are Eurosport’s predicted line-ups, not confirmed starting teams. The official selections will be announced shortly before kick-off.