(VIDEO) All the Goals From Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga

The Real Madrid returned to the Santiago Bernabéu under heavy pressure to respond after turbulent weeks, while Rayo Vallecano arrived determined to spring a surprise in the Madrid derby and turn around their poor run in LaLiga.

After the latest European setback against Benfica, the Real Madrid shifted their full focus back to LaLiga with an urgent need to rediscover their best form. The defeat in Lisbon had pushed the team out of the top eight in the Champions League, turning the clash with Rayo Vallecano into a key test of character for the side now led by Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over following the departure of Xabi Alonso.

Madrid Searches for Stability Under Pressure

The return to LaLiga comes at a delicate moment for the Real Madrid. Despite some important wins in recent weeks — including a big victory over Monaco and a solid performance at La Cerámica — the poor showing in Portugal reignited doubts about the current project. With two clear weeks ahead to work, Álvaro Arbeloa is aiming to fix flaws and restore the solidity the team has been missing.

The coach has been criticized for keeping his biggest stars locked into the lineup, including Vinícius, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé, limiting rotation and creating internal frustration, such as that shown by Arda Güler. Squad management and tactical decisions are once again under the microscope.

There is also focus on players like Dani Carvajal, who is returning from a long layoff, as well as Rodrygo Goes, who is fighting to regain a starting spot from young Franco Mastantuono. In midfield, options such as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni offer the possibility of adding more physicality and balance.

A Struggling Rayo Looking to Pull Off the Upset

Rayo Vallecano enter the derby in a difficult moment. Just one win in their last 11 LaLiga matches reflects a downward spiral that has dragged them down the standings. With only five goals scored and 18 conceded during that stretch, the margin for error is extremely thin for the side coached by Íñigo Pérez.

Even so, Rayo have an attacking-minded squad, featuring forwards such as Randy Nteka, Sergio Camello, and Aleámao, along with dangerous wide players like Isi Palazón, Álvaro García, Jorge De Frutos, Fran Pérez, and Ilias Akhomach. The return of Iván Balliu and Andrei Ratiu strengthens a defense that will need to be at its very best to survive at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Historically, Rayo Vallecano have struggled in this stadium, with just one league win there in more than two decades. Still, the team believes it can break the trend and take advantage of the doubts surrounding the Real Madrid.