Real Madrid are in action in one of four La Liga fixtures on Saturday. Rayo Vallecano provide the opposition in a local derby at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Light rotation expected from Real Madrid

Despite a strong start to the season, Real Madrid are already playing catch-up on a relentless Barcelona side. A 1-0 defeat at Real Betis last Friday was a damaging one for Los Blancos, who missed a late penalty.

José Mourinho could opt for some rotation following a 2-1 win over Inter in midweek. Fede Valverde is due a rest in midfield, while Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Álvaro Carreras and Antonio Rüdiger will come into the lineup. Éder Militão, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy are still out injured.

Jude Bellingham has been one of the standout performers in La Liga in recent weeks. The England international has built on an excellent World Cup, with two goals and two assists in four league outings.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Silva, Camavinga; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.

Camello firing as Rayo Vallecano look to kick on following first win

A 3-2 triumph over Racing Santander last weekend gives new Rayo Vallecano boss Beñat San José a result from which to build. However, the victory came at a cost, with Jorge de Frutos and Fran Pérez both picking up late red cards.

Those players are suspended on Saturday, while the visitors will also be missing Jozhua Vertrouwd, Augusto Batalla and Luiz Felipe due to injuries. Isi Palazón is an additional doubt.

The big positive for Rayo right now is Sergio Camello’s form. With five goals in four appearances, the striker has already equalled his total goal tally in La Liga last season.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Cárdenas; Rațiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Pedrosa; Valentín, Bouaré; Díaz, U. López, Á. García; Camello.

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.27 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Rayo Vallecano
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 1KAVH

Key stats:

  • The last four meetings between these clubs averaged three goals per 90 minutes.
  • Four of Real Madrid’s five games this season produced three or more goals.
  • Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga 2026/27 fixtures are averaging 3.4 goals per match.

With many changes in defence from last season, Real Madrid’s backline is yet to convince. They’ve only kept one clean sheet in five outings so far this term. Los Blancos also allowed Inter to create four big chances in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Those factors will encourage Camello, but Rayo Vallecano also have defensive issues. Including pre-season, they are yet to shut their opponents out in eight outings under San José’s management. Seven of those games produced at least three goals in total. Backing this Madrid derby to do likewise is a safe pick.

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Real Madrid to win & Both teams to score
  • Odds: 2.4 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: JD1VH

Three of Real Madrid’s four victories have come in games when their opponents scored. Backing them to win this clash, but also concede, offers value at odds of 2.4.

All four of Rayo Vallecano’s league outings this term have seen both teams score. Their attack can take some confidence from scoring twice in an away defeat against Barcelona last month.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals (1.27) — Real Madrid 3-1 Rayo Vallecano