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Rayo Vallecano logo
La Liga | Gameweek 25
Feb 18, 2024 at 1pm UK
Estadio de Vallecas
Real Madrid logo

Rayo Vallecano
1 - 1
Real Madrid

de Tomas (27' pen.)
Isi (45+1'), Balliu (45+4'), de Tomas (81'), Garcia (82')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Joselu (3')
Camavinga (61'), Carvajal (90+3')
Carvajal (90+5')

Real Madrid handed Brahim Diaz fitness boost

Real Madrid handed Brahim Diaz fitness boost
© Reuters
Spanish forward Brahim Diaz is in the Real Madrid squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano after recovering from a minor injury.

Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz is in the Los Blancos squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano.

The 24-year-old appeared to be a huge doubt for the weekend contest when he was forced off in the latter stages of Tuesday's Champions League clash with RB Leipzig due to a calf issue.

"Brahim took a knock on his ankle and the calf, they'll assess him tomorrow. I don't think it's a muscular issue," Ancelotti told reporters in the immediate aftermath of the Leipzig clash.

The attacker's spot in the squad on Sunday has now been confirmed, and he could again start due to the absence of Jude Bellingham with an ankle problem.

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz after sustaining an injury on February 13, 2024© Reuters

Diaz was on the scoresheet against Leipzig and has now managed eight goals and three assists in 28 appearances for his capital side during the 2023-24 campaign.

Antonio Rudiger remains out with a thigh problem, while David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois are all still sidelined with ACL injuries.

Los Blancos will also be missing Ferland Mendy through suspension on Sunday due to the milestone yellow card that he picked up against Girona in the league last time out.

Aurelien Tchouameni will again be needed to play in the middle of the defence, and Ancelotti was full of praise for the France international for his transition into that position.

Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni in action with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde on October 28, 2023© Reuters

"When the centre-backs return, Tchouameni's role is not as a centre-back. His role is as a pivot, which is why we signed him," said Ancelotti during his press conference on Saturday.

"He can contribute as a centre-back and he is getting used to a new role. It means he is very, very intelligent."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti is expecting an 'extra-motivated' Rayo outfit this weekend, with the team changing their manager ahead of this match, bringing in Inigo Perez as a replacement for Francisco.

"Vallecas is always complicated. The opponent needs points and they have changed coach this week and so they have extra motivation," he said.

Youngster Jacobo Ramon again benefits from the defensive absentees to be named in the squad.

Real Madrid squad vs. Rayo Vallecano:

Lunin, Kepa, Pineiro; Carvajal, Nacho, Vazquez, F Garcia, Jacobo; Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Guler; Vinicius, Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim

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Written by
Matt Law
No Data Analysis info

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How you voted: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid

Rayo Vallecano
8.5%
Draw
6.3%
Real Madrid
85.2%
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Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham scores against Girona on February 10, 2024
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid20144247202746
2Atletico MadridAtletico20135234132144
3Barcelona20123552232939
4Athletic Bilbao20116331181339
5Villarreal209653831733
6Mallorca209381925-630
7Real Sociedad208481714328
8GironaGirona208482827128
9Rayo Vallecano206862323026
10Osasuna206862429-526
11Sevilla207582329-626
12Real BetisBetis206772226-425
13Celta Vigo2073102932-324
14Las PalmasLas Palmas2064102533-822
15Leganes205781929-1022
16Getafe204881417-320
17AlavesAlaves2055102432-820
18Espanyol2054111932-1319
19Valencia2037101929-1016
20Real ValladolidValladolid2043131439-2515


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