Real Madrid is set to face Rayo Vallecano today in a vital La Liga clash at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas. The match, part of the 12th round of the 2025-2026 Spanish league season, kicks off at 5:15 PM Cairo time. With an aim to extend their lead at the top of the table, Real Madrid comes into this match with high spirits despite a recent setback in the UEFA Champions League.
Match Preview: Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid currently leads La Liga with 30 points, having secured 10 wins and suffered just one defeat in their first 11 matches. They have netted 26 goals while allowing only 10. The team is on a four-match winning streak in the league and seeks to maintain momentum against Rayo Vallecano.
Key Player: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is in exceptional form, leading the league’s scoring charts with 13 goals. He aims to add to his tally and help Real Madrid secure another victory ahead of the international break.
Rayo Vallecano’s Challenge
On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano, sitting 10th with 14 points, is desperate for a positive result after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Villarreal. They have won 4 matches, drawn 2, and lost 5. Recently, they did secure a 3-2 win against Lech Poznań in a European competition, which may boost their confidence.
Historical Context
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano spans 46 matches, with Real Madrid dominating with 33 victories. Rayo Vallecano has managed only 7 wins, and 6 encounters ended in draws. Overall, Real Madrid scored 119 goals against Rayo’s 48 over the years.
| Teams | Matches Played | Real Madrid Wins | Draws | Rayo Vallecano Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano | 46 | 33 | 6 | 7 |
Match Statistics
- Real Madrid Clean Sheets: 7 out of the last 15 matches
- Rayo Vallecano Clean Sheets: 5 out of the last 16 matches
- Shots on Target: Real Madrid 8.1, Rayo Vallecano 5.3
- Penalties Scored: Notable for both teams
Expected Lineups
Both teams have made strategic decisions in their lineups, reflecting their approach to the match. Real Madrid’s attack is spearheaded by Mbappe, while Rayo Vallecano will adopt a structured defense aimed at counterattacks.
Real Madrid’s Predicted Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Dean Huysin, Alvaro Carerras
- Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Arda Güler
Rayo Vallecano’s Predicted Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Augusto Batala
- Defenders: Pep Chavarria, Florian Leguenyi, Nobel Mendy, Andre Ratziu
- Midfielders: Unai Lopez, Pedro Diaz, Palazon
- Forwards: Alvaro Garcia, Jorge De Frutos, Alimao
Conclusion
The outcome of today’s match will be crucial for both teams. A victory for Real Madrid will widen the gap from Barcelona, enhancing their chances of a title run. Conversely, Rayo Vallecano seeks to leverage home advantage for an upset in this high-stakes La Liga encounter.
