Fresh from their win in the El Clasico, Real Madrid will be looking to consolidate their lead at the top of the standings as they host Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga fixture on Sunday. Vallecano are having a decent campaign so far but should find it difficult against Madrid, who are playing with plenty of confidence at the moment.
Real Madrid underlined their title credentials last time out in La Liga as they came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory at Barcelona in the El Clasico. They trailed at the break but came to life in the second half with Jude Bellingham once again the difference.
That result means Real Madrid have now lost just once across all competitions this term as they appear keen to make up for last season’s disappointments. Los Blancos also have some breathing room over main rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, although surprise team Girona continue to insert themselves in the conversation.
The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu appears to be regaining its fortress status as Real Madrid are maintaining a 100% home record across all competitions this season. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have also tightened up at the back in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in their last three home matches across all competitions.
Real Valladolid travel to the Santiago Bernabeu off the back of a 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad in their previous La Liga fixture. Abdul Mumin’s lead was cancelled out by Sociedad and they needed an injury time equaliser from Bebe to salvage a point.
Los Vallecas have reasons to be pleased with their campaign so far as they are unbeaten in their last seven La Liga matches. However, Francisco’s men have only picked up two wins in that run with the other five ending in draws.
Rayo Vallecano have also shown some quality on their travels this season with just one defeat away from home in La Liga so far. They have picked up three wins in that run, including a 1-0 victory at Las Palmas in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have installed Real Madrid as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 1/4 by William Hill. An unlikely victory for Rayo Vallecano is valued at 10/1 by Coral while BoyleSports is offering odds of 9/2 for a draw.
Head to head
Real Madrid have a 25-4 advantage with one draw from 30 previous matches against Rayo Vallecano. Los Blancos have also won three of the last four meetings and picked up a 2-1 home victory in a La Liga fixture back in May.
Players to watch
Jude Bellingham continues to be the shining light for Real Madrid with his El Clasico brace taking his tally to 10 La Liga goals this season. The midfielder will be one to watch on Sunday and is priced at 6/5 by Unibet to score anytime on Sunday.
Real Madrid have also looked solid at the back in front of their fans, keeping clean sheets in their last three home matches. Kepa Arrizabalaga has impressed in goal and with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger maintaining their centre-back partnership, another clean sheet could be on the cards at evens with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Real Madrid have won to nil in their last three home matches and could be set for a repeat at 6/5 with BetVictor. Having picked up a 4-0 victory in their previous home fixture, a -1 handicap could also be considered at 17/20 with Unibet.
Los Blancos have scored in both halves in their last two home matches and a similar outcome is priced at 10/11 with BoyleSports. They could also be backed to win both halves at 15/8 with William Hill.
This La Liga match between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano will be played on Nov 5, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.