MX23RW : Wednesday, February 21 00:31:38| >> :120:23142:23142:
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Rayo Vallecano logo
La Liga | Gameweek 25
Feb 18, 2024 at 1pm UK
Estadio de Vallecas
Real Madrid logo
Rayo Vallecano
1 - 1
Real Madrid
de Tomas (27' pen.)
Isi (45+1'), Balliu (45+4'), de Tomas (81'), Garcia (82')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Joselu (3')
Camavinga (61'), Carvajal (90+3')
Carvajal (90+5')

Real Madrid handed Brahim Diaz fitness boost

Real Madrid handed Brahim Diaz fitness boost
© Reuters
Spanish forward Brahim Diaz is in the Real Madrid squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano after recovering from a minor injury.

Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz is in the Los Blancos squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano.

The 24-year-old appeared to be a huge doubt for the weekend contest when he was forced off in the latter stages of Tuesday's Champions League clash with RB Leipzig due to a calf issue.

"Brahim took a knock on his ankle and the calf, they'll assess him tomorrow. I don't think it's a muscular issue," Ancelotti told reporters in the immediate aftermath of the Leipzig clash.

The attacker's spot in the squad on Sunday has now been confirmed, and he could again start due to the absence of Jude Bellingham with an ankle problem.

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz after sustaining an injury on February 13, 2024© Reuters

Diaz was on the scoresheet against Leipzig and has now managed eight goals and three assists in 28 appearances for his capital side during the 2023-24 campaign.

Antonio Rudiger remains out with a thigh problem, while David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois are all still sidelined with ACL injuries.

Los Blancos will also be missing Ferland Mendy through suspension on Sunday due to the milestone yellow card that he picked up against Girona in the league last time out.

Aurelien Tchouameni will again be needed to play in the middle of the defence, and Ancelotti was full of praise for the France international for his transition into that position.

Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni in action with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde on October 28, 2023© Reuters

"When the centre-backs return, Tchouameni's role is not as a centre-back. His role is as a pivot, which is why we signed him," said Ancelotti during his press conference on Saturday.

"He can contribute as a centre-back and he is getting used to a new role. It means he is very, very intelligent."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti is expecting an 'extra-motivated' Rayo outfit this weekend, with the team changing their manager ahead of this match, bringing in Inigo Perez as a replacement for Francisco.

"Vallecas is always complicated. The opponent needs points and they have changed coach this week and so they have extra motivation," he said.

Youngster Jacobo Ramon again benefits from the defensive absentees to be named in the squad.

Real Madrid squad vs. Rayo Vallecano:

Lunin, Kepa, Pineiro; Carvajal, Nacho, Vazquez, F Garcia, Jacobo; Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Guler; Vinicius, Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim

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How you voted: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid

Rayo Vallecano
8.5%
Draw
6.3%
Real Madrid
85.2%
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Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham scores against Girona on February 10, 2024
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid25195153163762
2GironaGirona25175354322256
3Barcelona25166352341854
4Atletico MadridAtletico25163650262451
5Athletic Bilbao25147445232249
6Real Sociedad251010534231140
7Real BetisBetis2591242825339
8Valencia2510692929036
9Las PalmasLas Palmas25105102525035
10Getafe2581073334-134
11Osasuna2595112936-732
12AlavesAlaves2577112431-728
13Villarreal2568113547-1226
14Rayo Vallecano25510102233-1125
15Sevilla2559113037-724
16Mallorca25411102233-1123
17Celta Vigo2548132737-1020
18CadizCadiz25211121535-2017
19Granada2528152749-2214
20Almeria2508172352-298

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