RAYO VALLECANO – REAL MADRID | Monday 9pm
Barcelona, as was only to be expected, won a comfortable 2-0 victory over Almeria at the Camp Nou last Saturday, once again overtaking historic rivals Real Madrid. Now it is the Blancos’ turn to reply to the Blaugrana, in what now looks like a two-way race, judging by the constant stumbles of ‘Cholo’ Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, the one that in theory should play the role of third wheel. Carlo Ancelotti’s team, reigning champions of Spain and Europe, will face one of the two city derbies with little Rayo Vallecano, a match that has always been a heartfelt one for the passionate red and white fans. A sort of David versus Goliath, to understand it better. Although Andoni Iraola’s men, after achieving salvation last year, are doing even better, settling close to the Europa zone on 18 points.
Rayo are preparing to take on their ‘cousins’ Real Madrid on a high of enthusiasm following their double victory against Cadiz and Sevilla: a heavy victory seven days ago in the ‘Sanchez Pizjuan’ match, decided by a goal from Alvaro Garcia at the start of the second half. On paper it is a match in which there should be no history, but Ancelotti – who in the Champions League round of 16 will have to face Liverpool in a rematch of last year’s final – was also heavily favoured against the newly promoted Girona, but against the newly promoted Catalans his Real side did not go beyond a draw (1-1) in the last round. However, the Blancos quickly made up for it on Wednesday in the cup, overwhelming Celtic with goals (5-1).
Alvaro Garcia, Fran Garcia and Nteka del Rayo
The Prediction
It will be a somewhat reshuffled Real Madrid side that will take to the pitch in Vallecas. Benzema is absent, not called up, and two starters like Rudiger and Kroos will also be missing. The victory should come regardless, the difference between them and their opponents remains huge, although the feeling is that Rayo Vallecano will be a hard nut to crack and will score at least one goal in the cross-city match against the Blancos.
Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid likely line-up
- RAYO VALLECANO (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Lejeune, Catena, Fran Garcia; Comesana, Oscar Valentin; Isi Palazon, Trejo, Alvaro; Camello.
- REAL MADRID (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Modric; Asensio, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2