Real Madrid Gears Up for Rayo Vallecano Match Amid Key Injuries

Madrid, Spain — Real Madrid, leading with 30 points after a 4-0 victory against Valencia, is preparing for a crucial match against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, November 9. The win over Valencia, featuring standout performances from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, has given Madrid a five-point cushion over their rivals, Barcelona.

Coach Xabi Alonso faces challenges as he will be without captain Dani Carvajal until 2026 due to injury. Franco Mastantuono is sidelined with pubalgia, and Aurelien Tchouameni is also unavailable. The team’s lineup for the upcoming match remains uncertain, particularly regarding Federico Valverde‘s position at right-back versus Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently returned in a Champions League match against Liverpool.

Thibaut Courtois continues to solidify his place as a reliable goalkeeper, known for his fantastic saves during critical moments. In defense, Éder Militao will likely play despite collecting a yellow card during the recent Clásico. Dean Huijsen could see more action after recovering from injury, and Álvaro Carreras might start again to ensure Ferland Mendy’s fitness is preserved.

In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga has become essential for ball recovery, while young star Arda Güler has impressed with his contributions, including three goals and four assists this season. Jude Bellingham also stands out as a key player capable of shifting the game’s momentum.

Despite his recent outburst when substituted, Vinicius Junior aims to capitalize on his attacking role. Franco Mastantuono has assured that he will receive playing time after discussions with Alonso. Lastly, Kylian Mbappé remains a top scorer with eleven goals in ten games, making him a player to watch against Rayo.

The confirmed lineup for Real Madrid (4-3-3) is as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Éder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras; Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler; Brahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinicius Junior.

The match is crucial for Madrid, who aims to rebound from a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool that snapped their six-match winning streak. With Rayo Vallecano having won their last three home games, the stakes are high as Madrid seeks to restore their form in LaLiga.