Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid PREVIEW: Los Blancos 3 pts from UCL qualification

Real Madrid can secure UEFA Champions League qualification for next season with an away win against Rayo Vallecano. The problem is can they do it.

Kick off: 20:45 CET

Probable Lineups

Team News

Rayo Vallecano

Alvaro Medran is back from suspension and should come into the centre of midfield to partner Jose Pozo ahead of anchorman Mario Suarez.

Raul de Tomas served a ban last time out, but will miss this weekend too due to the fear clause inserted in his Real Madrid loan deal.

Franco Di Santo will lead the line, with Adri Embarba expected to start on the left wing to push Alex Moreno back to left-back.

Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has no fresh selection concerns heading into the weekend, a relief after a fierce contest at Getafe.

Keylor Navas is expected to hold his place in goal for Real Madrid, despite Thibaut Courtois being back available after injury.

Nacho and Raphael Varane should be given the nod at centre-back, though the latter could get a rest in favour of Jesus Vallejo.

Focus

Rayo Vallecano have won just one of their last 13 La Liga matches, but the solitary victory did come in unexpected fashion at Vallecas against Champions League hopefuls Valencia.

The hosts took a battering last time out, suffering a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Sevilla, which foreshadows the very difficult task lying ahead of them against Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have failed to win their last three consecutive away games in the Spanish top flight, losing to Valencia and taking draws against both Leganes and Getafe.

WhoScored Prediction

Rayo Vallecano 1-3 Real Madrid