Three talking points ahead of Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid | La Liga MD12 | OneFootball

Real Madrid have enjoyed a relatively long time off after their last game which was against Liverpool at Anfield – one that ended in a painful 1-0 defeat which could have been worse if not for Thibaut Courtois.

Having suffered just their second defeat of the season midweek, Real Madrid will look to bounce back when they take on Rayo Vallecano Sunday night in what is their second consecutive away game.

The last time the two teams met at the venue, they played out a 3-3 draw in what was a topsy-turvy affair where Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde were all on the scoresheet. 

Tomorrow, Los Blancos will look for a different result where they come out on top, something they have not done at the venue since 2022.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid.

The right time to bounce back

While Real Madrid have appeared dominant and disciplined against most of their opponents across competitions this season, Liverpool had Xabi Alonso’s number and surprisingly took them down with ease.

Arne Slot’s men appeared to know Los Blancos’ plan inside out and suffocated them with their press, making them uncomfortable in midfield and creating chances with ease.

The result, needless to say, stands out as one of the black marks on Real Madrid’s result sheet so far this season and it will be the dressing room’s goal to bounce back tomorrow night.

It promises to be a big night for Xabi Alonso’s men. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas are a difficult opposition to take down, for their stadium is nothing short of a fortress. After all, Los Blancos have not won in their last three games at the venue.

With the international break beginning immediately after the game at Vallecas, a win for Real Madrid at the complicated venue would be the perfect way to sign off and bounce back – for there is no better time to jump back than before the dispersal for the break.

Key starter unavailable

Aurelien Tchouameni started and played 90 minutes for Real Madrid against Liverpool at Anfield, but the player will be unavailable for the game tomorrow after the club confirmed that he will be out through injury.

Having suffered a muscle injury, the midfielder is expected to be out for three weeks and Xabi Alonso thus has a task on his hands to manage the situation without weakening the side.

Tchouameni has been central to Real Madrid’s dominance this season, bringing stability in the middle of the park and even serving as an important defensive piece in the team’s buildup play.

While his absence will indeed be a big blow, all signs point to the manager laying his trust in Eduardo Camavinga to replace the Frenchman in the pivot position.

Camavinga only recently returned from a long-term injury and has moved closer to complete match-fitness with every passing game. He will play a massive role for the team over the next month, and tomorrow will mark the start of the same.

A big night for Trent

It was only poetic that Trent Alexander-Arnold made his long-awaited comeback from injury at Anfield against Liverpool – the club for which he dedicated his life before moving to Spain.

The reception the player received was hostile, and understandably so. Trent, however, was far from his best on the night and did not look anywhere close to his usual self in the period he spent on the field after coming on.

Trent will in focus heading into the Vallecano game. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

While the game against Liverpool can be dismissed as a one-off given that he was just returning from injury, there is a growing school of thought that the player does not understand that he is Real Madrid’s star signing.

The pressure on the Englishman, thus, is only increasing with every passing day and it is crucial that he begins to step up and deliver for his new club.

Dani Carvajal’s injury until 2026 means that Trent will see significant game time over the next two months, and the player could not have asked for a better situation to guarantee continuity in the team.

All eyes, however, will be on him starting tomorrow when he is expected to return to the initial XI. After all, he has a lot to prove in terms of his quality and adaptation.