Liga: the probable line-up of Real Madrid against Rayo

Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano face each other this Saturday at 9:00 p.m. at the Santiago Bernabéu in Matchday 5 of La Liga.

After starting the season with three consecutive victories, José Mourinho’s Real Madrid suffered their first setback of the campaign last weekend with a defeat away to Real Betis.

Liga: the probable line-up of Real Madrid against Rayo

For a club like Real Madrid, the objective after a loss is always the same: respond immediately. The Merengues need to win their next game to ensure the previous defeat is viewed as nothing more than an accident and, above all, to avoid falling into a negative run of results.

The pressure is even greater because Barcelona have shown no signs of slowing down. Every point dropped by Real Madrid could give their rivals an opportunity to open up a gap at the top of the La Liga standings.

José Mourinho made the message very clear during his press conference earlier this Friday: Real Madrid “have to win” against Rayo Vallecano. The Portuguese coach will also be hoping that the support of the Bernabéu crowd can help his players return to winning ways.

For this match, Mourinho has the advantage of having an almost complete squad available. Apart from the three players currently sidelined through injury, everyone else is fit and ready to play.

A different starting XI from Tuesday

Without revealing too many details, Mourinho admitted that his team would probably need some fresh legs after the demanding Champions League match against Inter Milan earlier in the week. That could lead to several changes in the starting lineup.

In defence, Álvaro Carreras could return to the starting XI and give Marc Cucurella some much-needed rest. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to move back to his natural right-back position after enduring a difficult evening in midfield against Inter.

In central midfield, Federico Valverde should keep his place, while the second position could be contested between Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva. Both players were able to rest during the Champions League fixture, but Bernardo Silva appears to have a slight advantage in the race for a starting spot.

Arda Güler is also expected to make his return to the lineup. The Turkish international should operate on the right side of the attack, where his creativity and technical quality could provide Real Madrid with another attacking dimension.

Jude Bellingham is likely to play further forward, supporting the attacking trio alongside Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé. Mourinho will expect much more control, intensity and efficiency from his team after the defeat against Betis.

Starting lineup

4-3-3

Against Rayo Vallecano, there will be little room for excuses. Real Madrid know that another disappointing result could allow Barcelona to strengthen their position in the title race. A convincing victory at the Bernabéu would therefore be the perfect response and would allow Mourinho’s side to quickly restore confidence.

Real Madrid probable XI: Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Konaté, Carreras; Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Bellingham, Arda Güler, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé.