Spanish La Liga
2026-02-01 - Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano
A Sports Betting Pick by Gladiator
Football: Spanish La Liga - Round 22
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid), Spain
Sunday, 1st February 2026 - Kick Off 21:00 CET
Real Madrid
Real Madrid must quickly refocus after a disappointing European setback, having failed to secure a top-eight Champions League finish following a 4-2 defeat to Benfica. Domestically, however, they remain in imposing form. A run of five straight La Liga wins, including two under interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, has kept them firmly in the title race. Even more impressively, each of their last four league victories has come by a margin of at least two goals, highlighting a team that starts fast and rarely lets up.
With Barcelona playing earlier in the weekend, Real have the chance to momentarily reclaim first place, and given their extraordinary record against bottom-half clubs this season (nine wins and a draw), confidence will be high. Home form has also been a crucial asset, and playing at the Bernabéu should once again tilt the balance heavily in their favour.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano come into this derby under real pressure. Two consecutive defeats have dropped them to within a single point of the relegation zone, and their tally at this stage is poorer than in any of their last five top-flight seasons. Their troubling run, one win in their last 11 La Liga matches, paints the picture of a team sinking fast.
The reverse fixture ended in a goalless draw, but this scenario now looks far less favourable for Rayo, especially given their dire away form: only one point from their last five league trips. They continue to toil in front of goal and have struggled late in matches, conceding a joint-high number of second-half away goals. All signs point to another difficult evening for the visitors.
Betting Verdict
Real Madrid’s blistering domestic form, combined with Rayo’s slump and poor away results, makes a fast start from the hosts highly likely. Madrid have been exceptional at home, especially when scoring first, and Rayo simply don’t have the momentum or defensive stability to keep pace. A strong first half followed by a composed second seems the most realistic pattern here, making a HT/FT selection particularly appealing.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Real Madrid 3-1 Rayo Vallecano
