Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid

La Liga pacesetters Real Madrid travel to Campo de Futbol de Vallecas to take on out-of-sorts Rayo Vallecano.

Rayo Vallecano powerbrokers decided enough was enough after a 2-1 away defeat to Mallorca condemned the club to a sixth consecutive winless La Liga outing (D1, L5), sacking manager Francisco in the aftermath. Despite a flying start to the 2023/24 campaign, Vallecano’s drop-off has demoted them to the lower reaches as they commence this round only seven points clear of the drop zone. With their last three league outings all yielding identical 2-1 losses, plugging Vallecano’s defensive holes is among new head coach Inigo Perez’s first assignments. But doing so against Real Madrid could be a huge ask, even though ‘Los Franjirrojos’ eked out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in November. Scoring is another issue for Vallecano, as they’ve drawn a blank in three of their last four home league games (D1, L3).

On the other hand, Real Madrid put fellow La Liga title rivals Girona to the sword last weekend, running out 4-0 victors on home turf to go five points clear at the top. Despite losing Jude Bellingham to injury in that clash, Carlo Ancelotti’s high-flying side claimed a crucial 1-0 first-leg win against RB Leipzig in midweek Champions League action, making it three away victories in all competitions on the trot. La Liga’s best travelers will be out to extend that streak after winning their last three league matches on the road. Undefeated in away top-flight action since September (W6, D2), ‘Los Merengues’ have every reason for optimism, though two defeats in their last three away H2Hs against Vallecano (W1) require a cautious approach.