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- Real Madrid projected starting lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano
- Real Madrid injury list
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Madrid match details
Real Madrid will hope to bounce back from a midweek reality check as they visit cross-town rivals Rayo Vallecano for the lesser-known Madrid derby in La Liga action on Sunday.
Los Blancos were beaten 1-0 at Anfield in the Champions League, as Xabi Alonso's side was second-best throughout the 90-minute contest. The margin of defeat could have been much larger had goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois not stood on his head for much of the game, keeping Liverpool from finding the net on multiple occasions.
Despite the European slip, Madrid are still La Liga leaders, holding a five-point lead over Barcelona while Villarreal and Atletico Madrid lurk close behind them.
Madrid will be aware of the threat Rayo Vallecano pose. Los Franjirrojos qualified for the UEFA Conference League with an eighth-place finish last season, and they rest in 10th currently thanks to a three-match league winning streak only snapped last time out in a 4-0 defeat to Villarreal.
MORE: Champions League top goal scorers | La Liga top goal scorers
Real Madrid lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano: Projected starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Courtois (GK)
Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras
Tchouameni, Valverde
Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius
Mbappe
Real Madrid team news
Xabi Alonso's biggest issues remain in defence with centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba still sidelined while club captain Dani Carvajal faces an extended period out of action due to a knee problem. Alaba is expected back soon, and has been called up by Austria for the upcoming national team window, indicating his return is imminent.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been on the bench to start each of the club's last three matches, and now is the time to bring him back into the XI. Madrid have been deficient in midfield while Federico Valverde has been left to deputise at right-back, and moving him back into the middle would be smart, replacing the wasteful Eduardo Camavinga who was poor against Liverpool midweek.
There is also the question of what to do with Arda Guler, whose excellent form replacing Jude Bellingham at the No. 10 position has been somewhat stunted being forced out on the wing since Bellingham's return.
MORE: Does Vinicius Jr. Have a gripe about his playing time under Xabi Alonso?
Real Madrid injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Real Madrid, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
David Alaba
- Injury: Calf strain (right leg)
- Expected return date: Early November 2025
Alaba sustained a calf problem in the win at Getafe and sat out the wins over Barcelona and Valencia, plus the loss at Anfield. The experienced defender could recover to take a place on the bench soon, and he has been called up by Austria for the coming international break, meaning he is likely to return soon.
Antonio Rudiger
- Injury: Thigh muscle tear (left leg)
- Expected return date: Late November 2025
Rudiger tore a thigh muscle in September and was given an estimated recovery period of three months. "Rudiger is still a little way off, but he'll be fine for the next block," Alonso said, hinting at a return on the other side of the November international break.
Franco Mastantuono
- Injury: Pubalgia
- Expected return date: Unknown
Teenage midfielder Mastantuono has been struck down by the same ailment that has hindered Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
Similar to what is known as a "sports hernia," the injury is one that has to be managed and can result in an absence ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity.
Dani Carvajal
- Injury: Knee surgery
- Expected return date: Late December 2025
Spain star Carvajal missed the majority of last season due to a horrific ACL tear and the club confirmed he needs surgery on separate knee problem that flared up against Barcelona. He could miss the remainder of 2025 as part of his recovery.
Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Madrid match details
- Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
- Kickoff time: 4:15 p.m. Local / 10:15 a.m. ET / 7:15 a.m. PT / 12:15 a.m. AEDT (Nov. 10)
- Location: Vallecas Stadium (Madrid, Spain)
- Competition: La Liga, Matchweek 12
- Referee: Juan Martinez
- VAR: Jorge Figueroa
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