The Vallecas trip will give Los Blancos a chance to take control of the league table, albeit temporarily. The Madrid giants should how
ever be cautious in this game considering the fact that the hosts sit at the 16th position on the log with 35 points, just three above the relegation zone. Therefore, they will want to win this game in order to avoid facing the axe. Such a win, especially in front of their home fans, could inspire them to perform even better in their remaining fixtures.
On the other hand, Los Blancos are also fighting for the league title, something that they had almost forgotten about some few months ago when their rivals Barcelona seemed to have bagged it already by opening a 12 point lead. The gap has since been reduced to only one point between the two perennial foes. With the Copa del Rey out of their hands, Zinedine Zidane’s men will want to prove a point to their rivals and one of the most probable ways is gunning for the league title.
Vallecano have had a solid record of being a hard nut to crack, having lost only three of their last 15 games since the beginning of the New Year. Interestingly, the Vallecans have shared points with their opponents in eight of those 15 games.
However, one of their greatest problems is soaking goals. Paco Jemez’s side have conceded 66 goals in the campaign this season, more than any other side in the league.
Who is available and who's not?
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have won their last six La Liga games and are set to welcome their key striker Gareth Bale from injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is La Liga’s top scorer, is also expected to start after a minor injury scare in their previous league match. Rayo could miss the services of defender Ze Castro, but Raul Baena, who was on target when his side registered a one-all draw against Malaga in their last fixture, is expected to start once again, as Javi Guerra leads the attack. Guerra boasts of an impressive 11 goal tally this season, despite the fact that his side is struggling for survival in the league.
Head to head
The last time these two sides met in December last year, Real won 10-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu. In their last 38 meetings, Madrid have won 24 and lost just six. In the process, Los Blancos have scored 25 goals and conceded only five against the Vallecanos since 2013.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Rayo Vallecano 2 - 3 Real Madrid
April 23, 2016 10:00amEstadio del Rayo Vallecano (de Vallecas Teresa Rivero) (Madrid)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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