Spanish La Liga
2025-11-09 - Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid
A Sports Betting Pick by Gladiator
Football: Spanish La Liga - Round 12
Campo de Futbol de Vallecas (Madrid), Spain
Sunday, 9th November 2025 - Kick Off 16:15 CET
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano returned home as they repaired the damage after a humbling 4-0 defeat away to Villarreal last weekend with an excellent win with 3-2 against Lech Poznan in the Conference League, their heaviest loss of the season and a result that exposed their defensive vulnerabilities.
Coach Íñigo Pérez will be desperate for a reaction, though facing the league leaders is hardly the ideal fixture to rediscover form. Vallecano have shown flashes of attacking promise this season, particularly at home, but consistency remains their biggest issue.
Both Óscar Valentín and Fran Pérez are pushing for recalls to the starting XI as the hosts look to strengthen their midfield and limit Real Madrid’s creativity. There are no fresh injury concerns for Rayo, but their recent record against top sides is worrying - just one win in their last eight league matches against teams in the top five.
With a leaky defence and a demanding fixture list, the hosts will need to be at their absolute best to avoid another heavy defeat.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid make the short trip across the capital, aiming to bounce back quickly from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night - their first defeat in Europe this season.
Despite that setback, Xabi Alonso’s men remain top of La Liga and in superb domestic form, having won five straight league games before this weekend. Madrid’s attack has been ruthless, scoring two or more goals in nine of their last ten matches across all competitions, and they’ll be eager to make an early statement at Vallecas.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested in midweek, while key defenders David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and young talent Franco Mastantuono remain sidelined. Still, with Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé leading the charge, Los Blancos possess more than enough quality to handle a Rayo side struggling to contain quick, attacking transitions.
The Betting Verdict
This Madrid derby promises plenty of early action. Real Madrid will look to make a fast start after their midweek setback, while Rayo’s defensive frailties were brutally exposed in Villarreal.
The hosts often play an open game at Vallecas, which tends to invite early goals, and with Madrid’s front line eager to reassert dominance, another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.
Expect attacking intent from the outset, with the first half likely to see multiple goals as both sides look to make their mark before the break.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Rayo Vallecano 2-3 Real Madrid
