Real Madrid welcome capital adversaries Rayo Vallecano to the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga on Sunday afternoon.
Los Blancos were victorious over local rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday evening and could be forgiven for having one eye on Wednesday’s crucial return fixture.
But first they must overcome Inigo Perez’s side as they aim to get back on track in La Liga. The reigning champions have won just one of their last five fixtures in the competition and their crown is under huge threat from Barcelona and Atleti.
Here is the rotated starting lineup Carlo Ancelotti could field on Sunday.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Courtois wasn’t overly busy midweek but still produced some smart interventions to deny Atleti, including one fingertip save from Antoine Griezmann. Rayo don’t score many, though, and the Belgian will expect a quieter outing on Sunday.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Federico Valverde produced an exceptional performance against Atleti in his less familiar right-back role, but Vazquez should return to the XI this weekend.
CB: Raul Asencio – Asencio continues to look a composed presence in the heart of a Madrid defence that has chopped and changed this season. The youngster will be expected to start against Atleti, too.
CB: David Alaba – One of those who could be rested at the weekend is Antonio Rudiger, who has a big second leg ahead at the Metropolitano. Alaba, who has made just four La Liga appearances this season due to injury, should step into his shoes.
LB: Fran Garcia – The Spaniard has proven an able deputy for Ferland Mendy in recent months and could earn plenty of minutes from now until the end of the campaign if Madrid go deep in Europe.
DM: Luka Modric – Modric was the calming influence that Madrid needed against Atleti, arriving from the bench and swiftly dictating the tempo. His legs may be tiring but his mind is as sharp as ever.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Defensive injuries have often forced Tchouameni into centre-back this term but he’s enjoying a return to holding midfield. His presence will allow Modric to influence proceedings higher up the field.
RM: Arda Guler – Guler has been starved of starts under Ancelotti but has still proven influential when featuring from the off. He’s managed three goals and five assists in all competitions despite often making brief cameos.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham was suspended for the first leg with Atleti and should be well-rested for Rayo’s visit. He scored in the dramatic 3-3 draw with Los Franjirrojos back in mid-December.
LM: Brahim Diaz – The Morocco international was the match-winner for Madrid midweek, producing a sumptuous strike to offer his side a slim advantage ahead of the second leg. That’s unlikely to earn him a start in the second leg, however, with Bellingham returning to the XI.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – There are reportedly concerns over Mbappe’s recent form but the Frenchman has still been largely excellent this calendar year. He’s scored 14 times in 2025 and could be among the goals again this weekend.
