Real Madrid have recovered from a slightly slow start to the season and taken the top spot in La Liga away from Barcelona thanks to their win over Granada last weekend. Now Carlo Ancelotti's side will attempt to hold on to that place as they welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano live stream: How to watch La Liga online, TV schedule and more
Madrid look to continue a torrid run of form and stop on top of La Liga.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
Since a 2-1 league loss against Atlético Madrid back on September 13, Madrid are perfect in all competitions, a run of 12 games without a loss or tie. They've also outscored opponents during the stretch by an astronomical 47-7 margin. That's right, 47 goals scored, seven allowed. That's absurd and it's part of the reason why Madrid are arguably the best team in Europe at the moment.
This week’s sacrificial lamb opponent is Rayo Vallecano who sit in 12th place with 11 points this season. Rayo’s defense is not great, the fourth worth in the league, and as the stats above show, they’re about to face a team that’s scoring goals like a veteran FIFA player messing around on easy mode.
Key Player: Leo Baptistao (Rayo)
Rayo’s Brazilian forward Leo Baptistao has scored six goals in nine games, and if they’re going to have any chance to staying with Real Madrid on Saturday, he’ll need to be a force up front. Madrid’s defense has been much better of late, which won’t make Rayo’s job any easier, so it might take a Herculean performance from the Brazilian to give his side a chance.
Key Matchup: Rayo’s defense vs. Ronaldo, Benzema, etc.
Rayo's only hope of staying in the game against Madrid is to defend really, really well. Unfortunately, Madrid's attack is so good, even when you defend well, they find ways to score. The return of Gareth Bale won't make like any easier for the back line, and even if the Welshman starts of the bench, James Rodriguez or Isco will be bombing forward and making their lives miserable in his place.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Jese (knee). In Doubt: Sergio Ramos (calf), Sami Khedira (unspecified)
Rayo injuries and suspensions
Out: Toño (hamstring)
Fabio Coentrão and Gareth Bale are finally off the injured list for Real Madrid, but Sergio Ramos is doubtful with a calf problem, while Sami Khedira is not expected to play either. Meanwhile, Rayo are missing their starting goalkeeper. Have fun with that!
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 8 p.m. local, 2 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), beIN Sports (Canada), Canal+ (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports CONNECT (U.S.), beIN Sports CONNECT (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.), GOL Stadium (Spain)
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