Bellingham and Alaba Take Center Stage as Real Madrid Plans for Rayo Vallecano
After much anticipation, Jude Bellingham is back in the Real Madrid starting line-up. His suspension kept him out of action, and fans can't wait to see his energy and creativity injected back into the team. The timing couldn’t be better, with the relentless La Liga schedule pushing managers to juggle form, fitness, and crucial European evenings lurking around the corner.
Carlo Ancelotti is sticking with the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. This set-up has served Madrid well, allowing them to maintain control while showing real teeth in attack. In goal, there's no surprise—Thibaut Courtois keeps his spot as the defensive anchor. Dani Carvajal’s absence means Lucas Vázquez is expected to keep the right-back slot, offering a steady outlet in both defense and attack. Over on the left, Fran García looks to have the nod once again over Ferland Mendy, mixing defensive discipline with an eagerness to surge forward.
Here’s where things get interesting in central defense. With David Alaba fit and ready, and Antonio Rüdiger potentially resting ahead of the Champions League, Alaba will likely partner Raul Asencio. This pairing brings a mix of experience and youthful energy. Some fans might raise an eyebrow at Rüdiger’s possible benching, but Ancelotti’s focus is as much on next week as it is on outsmarting Rayo Vallecano now.
Midfield Maestro Moves and Attacking Firepower
Luka Modric partners Aurélien Tchouaméni as the midfield anchor duo, blending Modric's vision and technique with Tchouaméni's physical presence and anticipation. It’s a double pivot built for big games—sturdy enough to shield the defense, nimble enough to spring attacks. Modric’s leadership also offers calm for the young guns around him.
Fresh from his suspension, Bellingham won’t just slot back in—he’ll push high upfield, likely driving Real’s offense from behind the striker. With Federico Valverde potentially seeing limited minutes, Ancelotti looks to keep him fresh for the looming European test against Atletico Madrid. It also opens the door for other creative sparks to shine just behind the frontline.
Out wide, Rodrygo Goes and Vinícius Júnior provide pace and unpredictability. Vinícius is always a nightmare for defenders, while Rodrygo’s recent form means he’s overdue for a big performance. Marco Asensio might drift in from the other flank, offering shooting prowess and clever movement. And spearheading it all? Karim Benzema, who’s still Madrid’s most reliable source of goals, looking to break the deadlock early against a disciplined Rayo defense.
Sunday’s match isn’t just another stop on the calendar. Real Madrid are chasing Barcelona at the top, and anything less than three points piles on the pressure. But Rayo Vallecano, despite their recent slump, aren’t a pushover—especially with European qualification places in sight. Madrid’s predicted line-up shows Ancelotti’s delicate balancing act: stay sharp in the league, keep key players fresh, and gear up for another do-or-die Champions League night.
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