LaLiga 2022-23: Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Los Blancos will host Los Franjirrojos on Wednesday, as they look to bounce back from defeat against Valencia, in LaLiga.

Real Madrid's season end seems to have taken a nose dive within a matter of a week. For Carlo Ancelotti, everything seems to be unraveling for his Galacticos whose season primarily depends on retaining their UCL title came to an end at the hands of Manchester City last Wednesday when they comprehensively beaten 4-0 in the 2nd leg in Manchester.

Their LaLiga form also hasn't been consistent with three defeats in the last five matches, at the hands of Girona, Real Sociedad, and against Valencia on Sunday. Things got unfortunately ugly on the pitch on Sunday, as Vini Jr. was sent off following an incident involving him at the receiving end of racist chants. Their eighth loss of the season also meant city rivals Atletico climb up above them in the table to second after their 3-0 win over Osasuna.

Now the mid-week fixture against another Madrid-based rival presents an opportunity to cement their 3rd spot, as well as a direct qualification in next year's UEFA Champions League where they need to win one more game out of their last three against Rayo, Sevilla, and Athletic Club.

For Rayo, there's still an outside chance of making it into Europe next season with only four points separating them at 11 and 7th place Athletic Club with 50 points. The outcome of the match against Real would be somewhat a bonus given their season can already be termed a success, given a mid-table finish somehow fulfills their year-end objective. However, given it's a Derby and having already beaten(3-2 win) them in the reverse home fixture on November 7, the Iraola side will look to complete the double over Real for the first time in their history.

Kick-off

Wednesday, 24-05-2023, 5:30 pm (GMT)

Wednesday, 24-05-2023, 11:00 pm (IST)

Real Madrid Form (In All Competitions): L- L- W- D- W

Rayo Vallecano (In All Competitions): L- L- W- L- W

Players to watch

Real Madrid: Marco Asensio

The Spaniard has largely been a difference maker off the bench this year but has contributed with 15 goal contributions in 28 appearances in La Liga 2022/23 (nine goals and six assists) this season. Real is struggling for goals right now and with Benzema out of form and Vini. Jr suspended, the onus will be on him to create or score against Rayo.

Rayo Vallecano: Isi Palazon

Isi Palazon has eight goals, five assists and has been the key contributor for Rayo Vallecano this year. He'll be looking to replicate his man-of-the-match performance from the return fixture against Real and contribute with creativity as well as his all-round play if Rayo is to get a result at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Match Facts

• Rayo Vallecano will complete a double over Real Madrid for the first time if they beat them on Wednesday. They won the reverse fixture 3-2 at home in November.
• Rayo Vallecano haven't kept a clean sheet in 11 matches and haven't won away in seven matches.
• Real Madrid are the top scoring team at home this season in La Liga with 41 goals scored.

Injury and Team News

Real Madrid: Hazard and Mariano will miss out through injuries, and Vinicius Jr. will be suspended because of the red card he received against Valencia during the weekend.

Rayo Vallecano: No major injury concerns for Rayo as they have a largely fit squad.

Head to Head stats

Matches – 15

Real Madrid – 13

Rayo Vallecano– 2

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga; Asensio, Benzema, Rodrygo

Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Dimitrievski; Balliu, Mumin, Catena, F Garcia; Comesana, Ciss; Palazon, Trejo, A Garcia; Camello

Match Prediction for Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano

Carlo Ancelotti despite the reassurance from the Real board will be under pressure to deliver results, after losing back-to-back matches in all competitions for the first time this season. The morale of the club will be low with only a Copa Del Rey win to celebrate this year and a heartbreaking loss against Manchester City in the Champions League. However, with the season coming to an end, Real have to win at least another game to assure a Top 3 spot, and the second last home game of the season should allow them to bounce back against Rayo.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Rayo Vallecano

Telecast

India – Voot, JioTV

USA – ESPN+

United Kingdom – Amazon Prime, Premier Sports, ITV

Nigeria – Supersport, Canal+