By Karl Matchett
Madrid have gained simply one of many final 4 LaLiga conferences between these groups, didn’t beat Rayo in any respect final time period, and nonetheless have a number of big-name gamers out injured.
Stranger issues have occurred, besides the percentages might be stacked in Madrid’s favour, not the least of which is the scoring type of Jude Bellingham. The Englishman, pushed increased upfield of late as soon as extra, has netted in every of his final 4 video games, whereas Kylian Mbappé has additionally scored in three of these. Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla has the very best save share of all stoppers in LaLiga, with 76.6%; there’s a very good probability they’ll want him in that type of type on Saturday night time.
Type information
Rayo have been wildly unpredictable this time period, profitable 5 however dropping six, conceding six in three straight defeats earlier than protecting a clear sheet to win 1-0 in opposition to Valencia final trip. Ending twelfth would in fact be a giant optimistic for them after ending seventeenth final time period, although as that got here on the finish of 1 win in six they’ll hope for extra consistency – key phrase once more – this time round.
Actual Madrid gained the title at a canter final yr however are chasing Barcelona this time period. Nevertheless, 4 wins within the final 5 imply they’re simply two factors off prime spot with a sport in hand now, so sustaining stress on Hansi Flick’s facet is of paramount significance. 5 wins within the final seven throughout all competitions have solely seen them overwhelmed by Liverpool in Europe and Athletic Membership domestically, however they’ve been remarkably common in beating center of the highway sides.
Staff information
Raúl de Tomás and Pelayo Feráandez are the one absent faces for Rayo, however Actual proceed to be with out David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy in a full potential defence. Eduardo Camavinga can also be sidelined and Mbappé went off early within the midweek win at Atalanta, so will miss out right here because of this.
Key participant
It’s Bellingham for Actual Madrid and never for the primary time. The attacking midfielder has been capable of recurrently push on once more over the previous few matches, netting each from open play and the penalty spot. He has 5 league targets from an xG of three.2, is within the 97th percentile for profitable passes this season, 92nd for touches per 90 and 91st for duels gained in his place. He’s an all-round power on and off the ball and now the targets are flowing once more too.
Prediction
Actual Madrid to get the win they want, however not with out a battle and this appears a sport through which each groups get on the scoresheet in. Rayo 1 Actual 2.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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