A busy week in the Spanish capital continues as both Real and Atlético face regional rivals between their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.
By Neel Shelat
Little room for error in Real’s treble chase
Much like domestic rivals Barcelona and Atlético, Real Madrid are still alive and very much in the hunt for all three major titles. The three-point gap between LaLiga’s top three means that the smallest slip-ups could prove extremely costly between now and the end of the season.
Given the fact that they are currently third in the standings and have a deficit to overturn, Los Blancos will perhaps be under the most pressure to deliver. Of course, their historic pedigree and star-studded squad only add to fans’ expectations, so anything less than a double might well be considered a slight disappointment at least.
Fresh Bellingham could be key to turning around domestic form
Jude Bellingham was suspended for three of Real Madrid’s last four matches and was certainly a big miss for the side, especially in their loss to Real Betis last weekend. That result left them with just one win in their last five league games – a run they simply cannot afford to continue if they are to seriously challenge for the title.
The return of the all-action English midfielder might well be the boost Los Blancos need to put together another winning streak. Bellingham has a critical role to play in this side as the connector between a somewhat depleted defence and powerful attack, while his defensive work is also crucial on the left flank where Vinícius Júnior likes to stay high to be a counterattacking outlet.
Rayo’s rough record at the Bernabéu
Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in their last three home games against Real Madrid, but their record at the Santiago Bernabéu is not quite as good. In fact, their goalless draw at the famed arena last season ended a 12-match losing streak, and they have only won once in 22 visits to the home of the record European champions.
Rayo also suffered one of their worst-ever defeats at the venue about a decade ago when the famed Bale-Benzema-Ronaldo front three ran riot, so they may still be extra keen to avoid any early sendings off.
Rayo severely depleted by eight absences
Much has been made of Real Madrid’s injury issues this season, but Rayo Vallecano won’t be feeling too sorry for them at the moment. Iñigo Pérez’s side will be without eight senior players for this game, including creative maestro Isi Palazón and suspended top-scorer Jorge de Frutos among five attackers.
This long absentees list will be particularly frustrating for Rayo as they are significantly overperforming relative to expectations and budget as they currently find themselves very much in the hunt for European football. If they manage to pull through, though, this will make the achievement all the more impressive.
Prediction
Real Madrid will want to keep things as straightforward as possible ahead of a huge Champions League match in midweek, so they will surely be satisfied with a 2-0 win.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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