Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid - Match Preview

As the Spanish season twists and turns en route for the final straight, each dropped point can have devastating consequences. This weekend promises to be another gripping occasion as Real Madrid look to continue their quest in ending Barcelona€™s recent dominance. On Sunday Real Madrid play Rayo Vallecano, as the two Madrid based clubs aim to prolong their recent excellent league form. Newly promoted Vallecano are currently having a extraordinary season. They are exceeding all expectations, and currently find themselves eighth in La Liga, having won their last three league games. Real on the other hand will look to continue their recent ruthless league form that has seen them win eight consecutive league games. A tough mid-week Champions league encounter in Russia means Real Madrid travel to Rayo Vallecano without Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria, as both players were injured in Wednesday€™s one-one draw with CSKA Moscow. Both players join Lassana Diarra and Hamit Altintop on Real€™s injury list. Di Maria is expected to be out for four weeks, which is unfortunate as the player had only just returned from an injury. Benzema€™s injury is slightly less serious and is expected to keep him our for two to three weeks. This means Gonzalo Higuain will be called into the first team, as Madrid€™s squad depth is utilised. Barcelona will also be in the city of Madrid this weekend, as they face Athletico Madrid away. Athletico are unbeaten in their last six league games and ought to give Barca a close game. Real, who are now ten points clear in La Liga, could be thirteen clear, as Barca will be playing later that evening. With Both Real and Barca facing in-form teams, this weekend could be decisive for the title race if either team stumble. In other Real Madrid related news, there was some speculation in the last few days that Xabi Alonso might be moving to Juventus in the summer. However these reports have been dismissed by Alonso, with his agent saying €œ"I think a move to Juventus for Xabi is an impossible thing". He also went on to say that the reliable Spaniard wanted to finish his career in Madrid.