It's a Madrid duel as Real Madrid, the biggest team in the Spanish capital, takes on its feisty neighbors — Rayo Vallecano. With a lot on the line for both teams, this game could prove crucial for LaLiga.
Here is my Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano prediction and La Liga odds for today's match.
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Pick, La Liga Odds
| Vallecano Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.75 -118 | 2.5 -188o / 150u | +850 |
| Real Madrid Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.75 +105 | 2.5 -188o / 150u | -350 |
- Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano moneyline odds: Real Madrid -350, Vallecano +850
- Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano over/under: 2.5 Goals (-188 Over , +150 Under )
- Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano pick: Real Madrid to Win
I am backing the Real Madrid moneyline in the Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano match.
Real Madrid Prediction
Real Madrid secured a midweek victory in the Champions League when they beat Atlético, their Madrid Derby rivals, 2-1 on Tuesday. However, things at home haven't been as straightforward. Los Blancos have won just one of their past five La Liga clashes and are coming off a shocking 2-1 defeat against Sevilla on Saturday.
As a result, they are three points behind FC Barcelona. The league is far from done as there are 12 games left to go, but things could get complicated if they don't get results soon.
Battling on three fronts has certainly hurt Real Madrid, who are also in the Copa del Rey semifinals, having beaten Real Sociedad 1-0 in the first leg. However, playing at home, where they've won 67% of their matches, will help them.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti received some good news heading into the weekend as star midfielder Jude Bellingham is returning after a suspension and Kylian Mbappe is available, despite prior concerns.
Dani Carvajal (knee), Eder Militao (knee), Jesus Vallejo (thigh) and Dani Ceballos (thigh) all remain out of contention.
Rayo Vallecano Prediction
Much has happened since Rayo Vallecano finished just outside the relegation zone last season. Under new head coach Inigo Pérez, the team from the Vallecas neighborhood in the Spanish capital has reached almost unprecedented heights with a high-intensity, offensive playstyle. Now, in the middle of a European place fight, they have both a lot to gain and a lot to lose.
While they still sit a meager two points away from the promised land, Los Franjirrojos have won just three of their past six league fixtures and just one of their past five away from home.
Injuries will also limit what Pérez can send out. Sergio Camello (toe), Raul de Tomas (illness), Isi Palazon (knee) and Jorge de Frutos (suspension) are all confirmed out. Additionally, Unai Lopez (hamstring), Abdul Mumin (knee) and Randy Nteka (muscle) are doubtful.
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano Pick
Both teams come into this one with a lot at stake. For Real Madrid, a defeat or draw could spell the beginning of the end for their league title chase. For Rayo, a win could have a galvanizing effect and generate great momentum.
Still, the track record says there's a reason one of these two Madrid clubs is known for its exploits in Europe, while the other is more famous for its crazy fan culture. Real Madrid is undefeated in its past 14 home games against Rayo Vallecano and has never dropped points in two consecutive home games against the noisy neighbor.
Expect Real Madrid to get the house in order and claim the three points, even if they don't flourish in doing so.
