Real Madrid endured a humiliating loss in their last match of the Champions League group stage as they were beaten in their own backyard by CSKA Moscow. The visitors thrashed the reigning European champions 3-0 as Santiago Solari’s tactics of fielding a young and inexperienced lineup out for the fixture failed to work.
The Galacticos will now have to face another stern test in the La Liga as they are set to take on Rayo Vallecano in their next match. It has been an inconsistent season so far in terms of results for Los Blancos, so the Argentine gaffer is expected to go in with a full-strength squad against their next opponents rather than experimenting with the youngsters.
Team News
Mariano Diaz and Casemiro are back in training but would probably not be a part of the playing squad and should be assessed before the next match. However, the ankle injury that Gareth Bale picked up in the game against CSKA makes him doubtful against Rayo, and that would be a significant concern for Solari. Nacho Fernandez is unavailable for the next fixture as well.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois struggled against CSKA and would look to put the disappointment away with a good performance against Rayo as he should start in the goal for Real Madrid once again.
Defence
The defence was at sixes and sevens in the last match against the Russian club and Solari would look to take no more risks. Dani Carvajal will start in the right back position as Marcelo would put in his shift from the left. Captain Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane will guard the heart of the backline.
Midfield
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will start in the midfield for the Galacticos. They would be accompanied by Dani Ceballos, who will play as a defensive midfielder with Casemiro a doubtful for the next game.
Attack
After his delightful performance in the last match against CSKA, Vinicius Junior should keep his place in the side, starting as the wide attacker on the left-hand side. Lucas Vazquez will replace Marco Asensio on the right, and Karim Benzema will lead the line for Los Blancos.
Predicted Formation: 4-3-3
