Confirmed Lineups for Real Madrid-Rayo Vallecano: These Are the Eleven Ancelotti Is Starting With

Real Madrid Will Face Rayo Vallecano at Santiago Bernabéu in Just a Few Hours. This LaLiga match comes right after the first leg of the Madrid 'Euroclassic' in the round of 16, also held at the Merengue stadium. The victory of the white team provides some encouragement for a match that won't be easy and has more impact than expected on the competitive future of the current soccer season.

Because a draw or a loss against 'La Franja' this very afternoon would considerably reduce Real Madrid's chances of becoming the leader of LaLiga. The losses against RCD Espanyol and Real Betis, as well as the draws against Atlético de Madrid and Osasuna, have caused a severe loss of points in the Madridist standings.

That's why in Santiago Bernabéu locker room, they are clear that the goal is to count the remaining matches of this league campaign as victories. Only in this way would they have tangible chances of reaching the end of the season in first place, hoping for a 'slip' from their rivals along the way. FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, first and second place respectively, also have challenging matches in their league schedule.

Already in the squad list, it was noticeable that the starting eleven for this match against Rayo Vallecano is somewhat influenced by Real Madrid's upcoming match. The visit to Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the return leg of the Champions League round of 16, has led to several changes in the starting line-up proposed by Carlo Ancelotti against 'La Franja'.

All Set

In this regard, Carlo Ancelotti has made multiple changes to his usual starting line-up. The Reggiolo coach, as anticipated in the squad for the match at Santiago Bernabéu, has left out Thibaut Courtois. Andriy Lunin will start in his place.

The defense also shows somechanges compared to the last match played and what is expected for the clash against Atlético de Madrid. Lucas Vázquez returns to the right-back position, while Fran García will give a rest to Ferland Mendy, who is expected to be a key starter for the match at Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The central pair, due to Antonio Rüdiger's medical absence, is formed by a Raúl Asencio in top form and a David Alaba who is gradually regaining his form.

Few Surprises in the Midfield because the return of Jude Bellingham after his two-match suspension would make him a key starter 'by necessity'. It has finally happened, something similar to what occurs with Aurélien Tchouaméni, always the Italian coach's 'favorite', who has won the battle against Camavinga for the pivot position. Luka Modric, who has left a good impression during his intervention from the bench in Santiago Bernabéu 'Euroclassic', has an excellent opportunity to prove himself once again.

Carlo Ancelotti makes a statement of intent by placing the starting forward line in this match, a general rehearsal of his planned dynamics for the round of 16 conclusion. Real Madrid presents this line-up to face Rayo Vallecano: Lunin; Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Alaba, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Modric, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinícius, Mbappé.