Real Madrid aims to recover from a tough UEFA Champions League defeat when they face local rivals Rayo Vallecano at home on Sunday. The team endured a 4-2 setback against Benfica in their final league-phase match, where the Portuguese club netted a late goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to secure a spot in the knockout playoffs. This result left Real Madrid in ninth position, forfeiting a direct path to the Round of 16 and setting up a two-legged playoff rematch with Benfica.
Despite the European disappointment, Real Madrid trails La Liga leaders FC Barcelona by just one point and boasts a five-game winning streak in domestic action. Rayo Vallecano sits two points clear of the drop zone in 16th place, grappling with back-to-back losses. The teams previously played to a 0-0 stalemate earlier this season at Vallecas.
Match Details
When: Sunday, February 1 – 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT
Where: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
How to Watch in the United States
ESPN+ streams the match live for viewers in the U.S.
Betting Odds
Current odds from FanDuel list Real Madrid as heavy favorites to win at -400, with a draw at +500 and a Rayo Vallecano victory at +950. Both teams scoring is evenly poised at -112 for yes or no. The over/under for 3.5 goals stands at +120 for over and -148 for under. Kylian Mbappé leads the anytime goalscorer market at +175 for first goal, while Vinícius Júnior sits at -105 anytime. Jude Bellingham offers value at -130 to score or assist, and Mbappé at +195 for two or more goals.
Rayo Vallecano Team News and Predicted Lineup
Rayo Vallecano struggles near the bottom of the table and seeks a response after recent defeats. Managers often adjust tactics to counter stronger opponents like Real Madrid.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Augusto Batalla (GK) – Alfonso Espino, Florian Lejeune, Pathé Ismael Ciss, Joseph Chavarria – Oscar Valentín, Pedro Díaz – Carlos Martín, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García – Jorge de Frutos.
Real Madrid Team News and Predicted Lineup
Following the midweek loss in Portugal, coach Alvaro Arbeloa plans rotations to freshen the squad. Rodrygo likely replaces Franco Mastantuono in the forward line, partnering Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Eduardo Camavinga may slot into midfield over Arda Güler, alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham. The defense holds steady, even after Raúl Asencio’s red card against Benfica.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras – Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham – Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.
