Real Madrid Expected Starting XI Against Rayo Vallecano – La Liga
Real Madrid Visit Rayo Vallecano on Saturday Night
Carlo Ancelotti faces multiple injury concerns ahead of the match, with Kylian Mbappe confirmed to be unavailable for this La Liga clash.
Real Madrid Gear Up for a Short Trip Across Madrid to Face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga
On Saturday evening, Real Madrid will make the brief journey across the Spanish capital to take on Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas. While the spotlight will be on the 22 players battling it out on the pitch, some attention may shift toward Rayo’s bench.
James Rodriguez, a former Real Madrid star, has found himself mostly confined to a substitute role this season. At 33, with his pace significantly diminished, Rodriguez has managed just one start for Íñigo Pérez’s side since returning to La Liga this summer.
Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti is likely to share a warm moment with the Colombian, given their extensive history together at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton. As Rodriguez is expected to begin the match on the bench, here is the Real Madrid lineup he may end up observing.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Valencia legend Santi Cañizares once described Courtois as “the Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo of goalkeeping,” a level of praise few players ever receive.
LB: Fran García – The tireless full-back, though somewhat limited, made over 100 appearances during his three seasons with Rayo Vallecano before returning to Real Madrid.
CM: Federico Valverde – Known for his energy and dynamism, Valverde has yet to score against Rayo Vallecano. However, he once struck a wayward shot at Vallecas that hilariously ended up flying through an apartment window near the stadium.
CM: Luka Modrić – Real Madrid’s elder statesman and all-time oldest player remains a force in midfield. At 38, Modrić is three years older than Rayo’s head coach Íñigo Pérez.
CM: Jude Bellingham – The English sensation continues to dazzle Madridistas with his versatility and dominance. His ability to excel in every part of the pitch has earned him the nickname “Di Stefano mode” in the Spanish press.
RW: Arda Güler – After scoring his first Real Madrid goal in the club’s previous league game, the promising Turkish teenager could be rewarded with another start this weekend.
ST: Brahim Díaz – Praised for his humility, versatility, and ability to unite the dressing room, Brahim may once again step up to lead the line in Kylian Mbappé’s absence.
LW: Rodrygo – With the aim of managing Vinícius Júnior’s workload, Rodrygo might step into the starting XI to share responsibilities with his fellow Brazilian.
