Match Preview
Real Madrid aims to recover from a tough 4-2 defeat to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League when they face local rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The Portuguese team clinched a late victory thanks to a goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin on the final day of the league phase, securing their spot in the knockout playoffs. This result left Real Madrid in ninth position, forgoing a direct path to the Round of 16, and they now prepare for a two-legged playoff rematch against Benfica.
In La Liga, Real Madrid trails leaders FC Barcelona by just one point and enters the fixture on a strong run, having secured victories in their previous five league matches. Rayo Vallecano sits precariously in 16th place, only two points clear of the relegation zone, following back-to-back losses. The teams’ earlier clash this season ended in a 0-0 stalemate at Vallecas.
Match Details
Date: Sunday, February 1
Time: 8:00 AM ET / 5:00 AM PT
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
How to Watch in the United States
Fans in the US can catch the action live on ESPN+. This streaming service provides full coverage of the La Liga matchup, allowing viewers to follow every moment from the Bernabeu.
Betting Odds
Real Madrid enters as heavy favorites with odds to win at -400, while a draw stands at +500 and a Rayo Vallecano victory at +950. Both teams scoring is listed at -112 for yes and -112 for no. The over/under for 3.5 goals is +120 for over and -148 for under. Individual player props include Kylian Mbappé as first goalscorer at +175, Vinícius Júnior anytime goalscorer at -105, Jude Bellingham to score or assist at -130, and Mbappé netting two or more goals at +195. Odds provided by FanDuel.
Rayo Vallecano Team News and Predicted Lineup
Rayo Vallecano continues to battle inconsistencies near the bottom of the table. Their predicted lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation features Augusto Batalla in goal, with defenders Alfonso Espino, Florian Lejeune, Pathé Ismael Ciss, and Joseph Chavarria. Midfield duties fall to Oscar Valentín and Pedro Díaz, supporting attackers Carlos Martín, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García, and forward Jorge de Frutos.
Real Madrid Team News and Predicted Lineup
Following the midweek setback in Portugal, manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to rotate the squad. Rodrygo likely replaces Franco Mastantuono in the front line, joining Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Eduardo Camavinga may step in for Arda Güler in midfield alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham. The defense remains steady despite Raúl Asencio’s red card against Benfica, with Thibaut Courtois in goal and backs Federico Valverde, Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras.
Real Madrid’s predicted lineup in a 4-3-3 setup: Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras – Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham – Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.
