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Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Rayo Vallecano for LaLiga’s Matchday 26

By Kevin Parvizi

Real Madrid, Marco Asensio (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Real Madrid, Marco Asensio (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois
Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Real Madrid will face Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga this coming weekend, having bounced back with a big second-half performance on Matchday 25 against one of the worst teams in the league, Deportivo Alaves.

Los Blancos defeated Rayo earlier this season, thanks to a midfield masterclass from Toni Kroos, who should be well-rested after not playing against Alaves. Rayo are no longer the upstarts they were to start the season, having fallen all the way down to 11th in the league table.

Although Real Madrid beat Alaves 3-0, there are still concerns about this team, given the slow first-half performance. All eyes will be on Carlo Ancelotti’s side to see if they will have a more complete display on the “road” at Rayo.

Here is a prediction for the Real Madrid starting XI on Saturday evening at the Estadio de Vallecas for LaLiga’s Matchday 26.

GK Thibaut Courtois

The guarantee in goal, Thibaut Courtois picked up a well-earned clean sheet on Saturday night at the Santiago Bernabeu vs. Alaves.

LB Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy does not look 100 percent, but he is very likely to start against Rayo Vallecano in lieu of any sure-fire options at left back. Here’s to hoping he is healthier in this one.

CB David Alaba

Although David Alaba could move to left back for the second leg of the Champions League vs. PSG at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will stick to the center back position whenever possible. Mendy will not be out for this game, so look for Alaba to continue his elite displays in the center of the Real Madrid defense.

CB Eder Militao

A burgeoning elite talent this season, Eder Militao was massive against Alaves and was one of the reasons why Real only conceded one goal to PSG in Paris last week in the Champions League.

RB Dani Carvajal

The Real Madrid back four concludes with the usual suspects, as Dani Carvajal will start once again. A microscope has been placed on Carvajal following his poor performance against PSG, though he truthfully could not be blamed too much. He was hung out to dry against the world’s best player.

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