Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano will trade tackles at the Stadio Santiago Bernabeu in an exciting La Liga affair.

Real Madrid eked out a 2-1 win away to Elche last time out to extend their unbeaten La Liga run to three matches (W2, D1) and stay within a one-point distance from the league pacesetters Real Sociedad ahead of this round. But after winning their opening two La Liga games at the Bernabeu by an aggregate score of 11-3, ‘Los Merengues’ have been held goalless in their last two home outings in the competition (D2). That should change here, as Real Madrid had won 17 consecutive La Liga H2Hs before losing the most recent one in April 2019. Adding to the home side’s confidence, ‘Los Blancos’ are unbeaten in their last ten La Liga fixtures against Madrilean clubs (W6, D4), keeping eight clean sheets in the process.

Meanwhile, a 1-0 home victory over Barcelona a fortnight ago sent a clear message to everyone not to take Rayo Vallecano lightly as the visitors occupy an unexpected sixth place going into this matchday. However, Vallecano’s performances tend to vary depending on the turf they play on, with a measly 20% of their total La Liga points amassed this season coming on the road (4/20). Indeed, ‘Los Franjirrojos’ have only won one of their last 15 La Liga matches on the road (D2, L12). Despite losing three of their five league travels this season (W1, D1), Andoni Iraola’s men have often managed to keep it competitive, with each of those five trips yielding a full-time margin of under 1.5 goals. Moreover, Vallecano have picked up just one win in their 18 La Liga meetings with Real Madrid in the capital (D2, L15).