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Real Madrid are set to host Rayo Vallecano in the upcoming fixture of the La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, 9th March 2025, at 8:45 pm IST. While Real Madrid will be looking to secure a win in this match to keep up with what has been a stunning LaLiga title race so far, they have been dealt a disadvantage with first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and main-stay defender Toni Rudiger missing out on tonight’s match. The two key Madrid players have not been named as part of the matchday squad against Vallecano and have been replaced by Andriy Lunin playing as the goal keeper and Raul Asencio pairing up with David Alaba in central defence.
The decision made by manager Carlo Ancelotti supposedly comes from a point of giving rest to these two key players ahead of Real Madrid’s important second leg clash with local rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 during the upcoming week. Although the LaLiga title race is equally important for Real Madrid, the two alternative players who are playing this match have also proven to be quality players in the past opportunities that they have had.
A tough match upcoming for Real Madrid
Los Blancos have struggled in La Liga recently, securing only one win in their last five matches, which has seen them slip to third place, three points behind leaders Barcelona. However, they come into this game with momentum from a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg. A win in this match could close down the gap for Real Madrid as Barcelona’s last league game against Osasuna was cancelled due to the passing away of team doctor Carles Minnaro Garcia.
Rayo, who are currently seventh in La Liga, drew their last match 1-1 to Sevilla at home. They will look to capitalise on the absence of the two key Madrid players and will want to give a tough fight to the Galacticos.
