Madrid returns to the ring after the ‘Vinicius case’

With practically nothing at stake for either of the two teams from the capital, since Real Madrid only has the objective of stealing second place from Atlético. For its part, Rayo Vallecano finds itself in no man’s land in the standings, with salvation already achieved weeks ago and four points off the Conference League spot set by Athletic. The Basques surpass the Vallecanos in goal difference, so the franjirrojos have a very difficult time achieving a historic European place for the next course.

Carlo Ancelotti, who did not answer any questions about the league match against Rayo in a previous press conference monopolized by the ‘Vinicius case’ that monopolizes all the spotlights, only has the Brazilian absent. The striker was sent off against Valencia for his slap on Hugo Duro (who had previously grabbed him by the neck) and although the Competition Committee left that decision without disciplinary effects on Tuesday night, after the scandal that occurred around the VAR in said match, his coach had previously said that he would let him rest all week. For his part, Andoni Iraola will not be able to count on Mario Suárez, also penalized with a direct red card against Betis.

A quiet rival

Rayo is experiencing another relatively comfortable season in the League. Although with a somewhat worse classification than last year, the truth is that Iraola’s pupils certified the primary objective of permanence weeks ago and since then tranquility has been their predominant note. In addition, they already managed to beat Real Madrid in the first round match in Vallecas. The franjirrojo team beat the white team 3-2, in a match in which the rayistas had to come back with a penalty goal from Trejo that gave the three points for the locals.

However, Rayo’s historical statistics at the Bernabéu are very negative. Real Madrid have prevailed in each of their last ten home matches against the franjirrojo team in the League, with a record of 40 goals for the madridistas and only nine against. On the other hand, those from Iraola have the opportunity to score points in the three most difficult fields in the First Division, after doing the same in the Camp Nou (1-1) and in the Metropolitano (0-0).

-Probable alignments:

Real Madrid: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Asensio, Benzema and Rodrygo.

Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski, Balliu, Lejeune, Catena, Fran García, Comesaña, Óscar Valentín, Óscar Trejo, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García and Sergio Camello.

Referee: Gil Manzano (Extremadura Committee).

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

TV: Movistar LaLiga.