(Football news) After a stunning 5-1 victory against Cadiz Real Madrid now travel across town to play away at Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona's win over Almeria has taken them to the top of the table and now only a win can take Real Madrid back to the top. Real Madrid now have 2 games before the World Cup break and they will be very important. For this game Real Madrid have 3 key players out with minor knocks. Antonio Rudiger didn't play against Celtic and has been ruled out of this game due an overload on his hip. Karim Benzema returned to action as a substitute against Celtic but he has now relapsed once again and is out of contention. After the Ballon d'or winning last season Benzema has really struggled with injuries this season.

Toni Kroos is also not in the squad for unknown reasons. He is likely to have been rested having played a lot of games in a short amount of time. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr will start up top along with either Fede Valverde or Marco Asensio depending on whether Ancelotti wants to start Eduardo Camavinga or Dani Ceballos in midfield. Fede Valverde is definitely going to start, it is just a question of where. Marco Asensio has been good in the past few games and he does deserve another start. Rudiger's absence means that Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy are almost guaranteed to start. Aurélien Tchouaméni is back in the squad after missing the last two games. 

Real Madrid did play well against Celtic but Rayo are a much better defensive unit. Rayo Vallecano are currently 9th in the La Liga and have already held Barcelona and Atletico Madrid away from home. They are also unbeaten in their last 4 games which makes them a tough opposition for Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping that his side can get the job done. Los Blancos will be praying for an early goal because the longer it remains goalless the more frustrating it will get.

Also read: Barcelona beat Almeria, Atletico Madrid draw against 10-men Espanyol