Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano – Predicted lineup and team news

In partnership with

The Football Faithful

·12 September 2026

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano – Predicted lineup and team news

Real Madrid are back in La Liga action this Saturday, welcoming Rayo Vallecano to the Santiago Bernabéu for their fifth matchday fixture of the season.

The hosts arrive in good spirits, currently placed fourth in the table with nine points from their opening four league games. Their domestic campaign began with three consecutive victories: a narrow 2–1 success against Espanyol, followed by an emphatic 4–1 win over Real Sociedad, and then a dominant 4–0 triumph against Málaga. Their only league blemish so far came in a 1–0 loss to Real Betis, but they responded immediately in midweek with a gritty 2–1 Champions League win over Inter Milan to restore momentum.

OneFootball Videos

Real Madrid team news

Manager José Mourinho gets a significant boost ahead of this capital derby, as three key midfielders—Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, and Eduardo Camavinga—are all cleared to feature after missing the midweek European tie due to continental suspensions.

These bans were carried over from red cards in last season’s Champions League, which ruled them out against Inter but do not apply in La Liga.

In another positive update, reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has shaken off an illness and is back in contention for the matchday squad.

Mourinho must still manage several important absences. Defender Éder Militão remains out with a muscle problem, while forward Rodrygo continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury and left-back Ferland Mendy is sidelined with a hip issue.

On a brighter note in defence, Raúl Asencio has returned to full fitness after a pre-season knee injury and has been named in the squad for the first time this campaign.

Thibaut Courtois is projected to start in goal, with the defensive setup likely to include wing-back roles for Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella as part of Mourinho’s tactical plan.