Jude Bellingham Returns Strong, But Rüdiger Absent, Valverde In Last Minute – Real Madrid In Shock Ahead Of Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid will return to La Liga action on matchday 27, hosting Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. After securing a crucial 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash, Carlo Ancelotti’s men now shift their focus back to domestic competition. However, their preparations for this encounter have been met with unexpected setbacks, leaving the squad in a state of uncertainty.

The most notable absentee for this fixture is Antonio Rüdiger, who has been ruled out due to illness. The German defender has been a rock at the back for Los Blancos this season, and his absence could create vulnerabilities in a defensive unit that has already shown signs of inconsistency in recent matches. With Rüdiger sidelined, Ancelotti is forced to rethink his defensive setup, with young center-back Raúl Asencio likely to partner David Alaba in the heart of the defense.

Adding to Real Madrid’s concerns is the potential absence of Federico Valverde, who is reportedly being rested ahead of the decisive second-leg clash against Atlético Madrid. Valverde’s energy and versatility have been crucial for Madrid’s midfield balance, and his exclusion could force a tactical reshuffle in the middle of the park. Ancelotti may have to rely on Eduardo Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni to step up in his absence.

The return of Jude Bellingham from a two-match La Liga suspension is a major boost for the Spanish giants. The English midfielder has been one of Madrid’s standout performers this season, providing goals, creativity, and leadership in attack. His comeback is timely, as Real Madrid look to reassert their dominance in the league after a shaky run of form.

Despite Bellingham’s return, Real Madrid’s attacking department remains under scrutiny. Kylian Mbappé, who is still trying to find his best form after a dip in performances, is expected to lead the frontline. He will be supported by Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz, with Ancelotti hoping his star forwards can rediscover their clinical edge ahead of the high-stakes Champions League clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Real Madrid’s inconsistency in recent games has raised concerns among fans and analysts. Their last La Liga outing ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Real Betis, exposing defensive frailties and inefficiencies in attack. This performance left many questioning the team’s ability to maintain their dominance in the title race, especially with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid closely trailing them in the standings.

The match against Rayo Vallecano presents an opportunity for Real Madrid to regain their confidence. Historically, Rayo have struggled at the Santiago Bernabéu, with their last victory at this venue dating back to January 1996. However, Madrid cannot afford to be complacent, as Rayo have proven to be a resilient side capable of causing upsets against bigger teams.

One key area Madrid must improve upon is ball retention. In their recent Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid, both teams lost possession over 20 times, leading to a scrappy and disjointed match. Such inefficiencies must be addressed if Madrid are to secure a comfortable victory over Rayo.

Defensively, the absence of Rüdiger could make Madrid vulnerable to counterattacks. Fran García is expected to start at left-back against his former club, while Lucas Vázquez takes over on the right. The duo will need to be sharp in containing Rayo’s wide threats and preventing dangerous crosses into the box.

In midfield, Luka Modric is set to play a pivotal role alongside either Camavinga or Tchouameni. The Croatian maestro will be responsible for dictating the tempo and providing the link between defense and attack. His experience and vision will be crucial in unlocking Rayo’s defensive setup.

The importance of this fixture extends beyond just three points. With Barcelona and Atlético Madrid breathing down their necks in the title race, Real Madrid must avoid any slip-ups. A win would help maintain their position at the top of the table and build momentum ahead of the return leg against Atlético.

Ancelotti’s tactical decisions will be under the spotlight. Given the upcoming Champions League tie, he may opt for a rotated squad, but balancing rest and performance is a tricky challenge. Over-rotation could weaken the team, while playing key starters for extended minutes might risk fatigue or injuries.

For Kylian Mbappé, this match represents a chance to silence his critics. The Frenchman has struggled to maintain his usual goal-scoring form in recent games, and Madrid fans will be eager to see him deliver a standout performance. With Vinicius Junior also seeking consistency, the duo must step up to ensure Madrid’s attacking dominance.

As kickoff approaches, Madridistas remain hopeful that their team can rise to the occasion. With Bellingham back in the fold, the midfield should have more creativity and goal threat. However, defensive vulnerabilities and attacking inefficiencies remain concerns that need addressing.

Ultimately, Real Madrid must approach this game with full focus. Rayo Vallecano may not be title contenders, but they possess the ability to frustrate bigger sides. Ancelotti’s side cannot afford any distractions, as the battle for La Liga supremacy remains fierce. A dominant win would not only strengthen their league campaign but also serve as the perfect morale boost ahead of their crucial European showdown.