Real Madrid will have a gold medal to knock off Barcelona in the La Liga standings when they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
After finishing 17th last season, Vallecano made a good start this season, losing only two games in the first eight. Inigo Perez’s side comes into this contest after two wins on the trot in the league.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid hasn’t looked their best this season, but they have managed to keep themselves in the hunt for the title. Los Blancos edged Italian club Atalanta 3-2 in their UEFA Champions League contest mid-week and will like to carry the momentum.
STREAM: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid LIVE on ESPN in the US.
The Sporting News takes a look at the key highlights of this game, adding how to watch, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the United States:
TV channel: —Live stream: ESPN+
This game is not available for live television broadcast in the United States in the English language. Streaming features are available on ESPN+.
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WATCH: La Liga action LIVE in the US on ESPN+
This La Liga clash takes place at the Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain, and kicks off on Saturday, December 14 at 9:00 p. m. time.
This is what it was like in the United States:
Rayo Vallecano will be without Raul de Tomas, who is down with illness.
Adri Embarba may be called up to the starting XI after his exploits in the Copa del Rey.
Perez will also monitor Randy Nteka, Isi Palazon, Pep Chavarria, and Pathe Ciss, who have pushed for the selection with domestic performances.
Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Batalla (GK)— Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria—Palazon, Ciss, Valentin, A Garcia— Nteka, Embarba
Injured: Raúl de TomasSanctioned: None
Real Madrid got a big boost with the comeback of Vinicius Jr. , Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham against Atalanta.
Kylian Mbappe was forced out of the box in the 36th minute against Atlanta, but Carlo Ancelotti is confident the former PSG star will be back to fitness before Saturday.
Los Blancos will miss Ferland Mendy who sustained a muscular injury against Girona. Fran Garcia will continue to operate as a left-back. Meanwhile, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga will remain sidelined due to injuries.
Real Madrid’s predicted lineup (4-3-2-1, left): Courtois (GK) – Vázquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F García – Valverde, Bellingham, Modric – Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.
Injured: Alaba, Militao, Carvajal, Camavinga, MendySanctioned: None
The return of Vinicus Jr and Rodrygo to the XI provided much-needed attacking stability in their final match. The visitors have been inconsistent this season, but they do their homework against Vallecano.
All ET
Friday, December 13
Saturday, December 14
Sunday December 15
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Swati is a content maker for The Sporting News, which is published in English editions.