Overview
- League leaders Real Madrid visit Rayo Vallecano on Sunday looking to rebound from a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool while holding a five-point cushion after 11 LaLiga matches.
- Real Madrid’s official squad includes David Alaba after his calf recovery, with Aurélien Tchouameni ruled out due to a muscular problem and Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger and Franco Mastantuono also sidelined.
- Xabi Alonso emphasized the need to finish strongly before the international window, noted Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit to start, and said Rodrygo could feature on the right.
- Kylian Mbappé tops the LaLiga scoring chart with 13 goals in 11 rounds, underpinning Madrid’s strong domestic form despite questions raised by recent European setbacks.
- Rayo present a tricky trip at Vallecas, where recent meetings have been tight and the hosts’ home form has improved, including positive results against Madrid in recent seasons.