Real Madrid Ready to Rise Against Rayo, Alexander-Arnold Returns to Starting XI

Gilabola.com – Real Madrid is determined to bounce back after their Champions League defeat to Liverpool. Xabi Alonso’s team will face Rayo Vallecano in Vallecas with the ambition to strengthen their position at the top of the La Liga standings.

This match could also be a momentum for revival for key players who underperformed in the previous match.

Even though they have stumbled in Europe, Real Madrid’s position in the domestic league is still safe. They lead by five points over Barcelona, ​​and a win over Rayo would further emphasize their dominance in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano cannot be underestimated. The team has collected 14 points from 11 matches and has proven capable of providing fierce resistance in the last few meetings.

In the last six matches against Rayo, Real Madrid only won two wins. This fact means that Alonso is expected to use his best strength so as not to lose momentum.

In the goalkeeper position, Thibaut Courtois will almost certainly return to guard Real Madrid’s goal. His performance against Liverpool, even in defeat, was still praised thanks to a number of important saves. His calmness and experience make his position difficult to replace.

In the back line, Trent Alexander-Arnold has the opportunity to be a surprise by appearing as a starter. He was previously played as a substitute, and this time it is believed he will start from the start of the match.

The duet of Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen is likely to be a mainstay at the heart of the defense. David Alaba, who has just recovered from injury, is still not completely ready to appear in full. Meanwhile, Alvaro Carreras is still trusted to fill the left side of the defense because of his stable performance.

Aurelien Tchouameni’s absence due to a hamstring injury means Eduardo Camavinga is predicted to take over the role in midfield. His energetic playing style and ability to read the game make him a good fit as an anchor.

Federico Valverde will return to his original position in the middle to add strength and mobility to that line. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham remains the brain of the attack, assisted by Arda Guler who offers creativity from the side of the field.

Xabi Alonso is said to be considering two schemes, between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 diamonds, depending on the conditions of the game. It is believed that this flexibility will be an advantage in facing Rayo’s tight pressing.

On the front line, the duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. is sure to return to being the main focus. Both were determined to make up for their less than optimal performance at Anfield by appearing aggressive from the start of the match.

It is believed that the combination of speed and dribbling ability of the two players will make it difficult for Rayo’s back line, which is known to be tight and disciplined. Brahim Diaz is also expected to appear from the early minutes to add variety to the attack.

Rodrygo is likely to start on the bench again, but is still being prepared as a replacement option to add speed in the second half.