Real Madrid struck first against Rayo Vallecano, with Vinícius Júnior scoring in the 15th minute. The La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid kicks off at 2pm local time, and Los Blancos are looking to build momentum after a disappointing midweek performance in Europe.
Los Blancos missed out on an automatic place in the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition when they were defeated at Benfica on Wednesday, and attention now returns to keeping pace with league leaders and defending champions, Barcelona. Barcelona winning their game means Los Blancos know three points are a must to get them back to within one point of their rivals. Real Madrid has been fighting through a turbulent season but won five games on the bounce in La Liga, scoring 13 times during that period, and sit one point behind Barcelona.
The threat of relegation hangs heavily over Rayo Vallecano, who have only won five of their 21 matches this season. Rayo have failed to win in their last five matches away from home in La Liga, with their last victory coming in October. Still, the sides' last meeting ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw for Real, showing Vallecano can be competitive on big stages. Real Madrid has been hit with injuries but can still field their star-studded lineup. Real Madrid have won 13 of their last 14 home matches against Rayo Vallecano in all competitions and have scored at least 2 goals in 12 of their last 14 home matches. Catch the rest of this Madrid derby unfold as both teams battle for crucial La Liga points, and if you want more on Real Madrid's recent European struggles, check out their Champions League playoff draw against Benfica.