Real Madrid Set to Face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga Showdown

Real Madrid is gearing up to take on Rayo Vallecano in a highly anticipated La Liga clash. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Real Madrid is looking to solidify their lead at the top of the table, while Rayo Vallecano aims to secure crucial points to steer clear of relegation battles.

The match comes at a crucial juncture in the season, with Girona hot on Real Madrid’s heels. Rayo Vallecano, currently in 15th place, will be hoping to move further away from the danger zone, keeping a watchful eye on Cadiz in 18th position.

Both teams have had fitness concerns leading up to the game. Rayo’s Pep Chavarria and Diego Mendez faced late fitness tests, while Real Madrid continues to miss key players like Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, and Thibaut Courtois. However, Brahim Diaz has been cleared to play, and Ferland Mendy is suspended, paving the way for Fran Garcia to step up.

Expected lineups include Lunin, Carvajal, Tchouameni, Nacho, Camavinga, Valverde, Modric, Vinicius, Brahim, and Rodrygo for Real Madrid, and Dimitrievski, Balliu, Mumin, Lejeune, Espino, Ciss, Oscar, Isi, Trejo, Alvaro, and Camello for Rayo Vallecano.

In the UK and Ireland, fans can catch the action on LaLiga TV, Viably, or Premier Sports. In the US, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ USA will broadcast the game. Kickoff is set for 14:00 CET in Spain, translating to 13:00 GMT in the UK and Ireland, and 08:00 ET / 05:00 PT in the US.