Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Real Madrid earned a draw with CSKA Moscow during their mid-week Champions League match on Tuesday, and hope to continue their success in La Liga on Sunday when they take on Rayo Vallecano in this crosstown derby.

Vallecano are having some nice success this season, and are currently eighth in league standings. Madrid enjoy a healthy 10-point lead over Barcelona in the race for the Spanish title, but this match against Vallecano will not be an easy battle.

Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will have to deal with injuries to forwards Angel Di Maria and Karim Benzema this week, so the Portuguese tactician will have some interesting choices to make when crafting his starting XI.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this awesome matchup!

Where: Campo de fútbol de Vallecas

Watch: ESPN Deportes

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

When: Sunday, Feb. 26 at 10:00 am (ET)

Player to Watch: Sergio Ramos

The Real Madrid defense has played well on a consistent basis this season, with Spanish star Sergio Ramos showing his versatility this season.

Ramos has played right-back for much of his career in Madrid and the Spanish national team, but he has been featured at center-back much this season and has been fantastic in this role.

Ramos can also excel going forward on set pieces. He has teamed very well with center-back teammate Pepe in the middle of the Madrid defense this year.

Key Matchup: Madrid attack vs. Vallecano defense

An early goal for Real Madrid in this match could really damage the confidence of Vallecanos, who are certainly coming into this game in good form.

Vallecano has won three straight La Liga matches, but have not faced one of the league's top three clubs since a 4-0 loss to Barcelona Nov. 29.

The Madrid attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and others will be very tough for Vallecano to stop, and it will be fun to watch this matchup unfold.

What They're Saying

With the severe economic troubles in Spain, Rayo Vallecano is doing a wonderful thing offering lower-priced tickets to its unemployed fans. From the AP:

"

Rayo says it will make 1,000 tickets available at the price of €5 ($6.60) to unemployed supporters for the crosstown derby with the Spanish leaders.

Ticket prices for regular members remain between €20 ($26.50) to €25 ($33) as the club hopes to fill their Vallecas Stadium.

 

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Prediction: 3-0 Madrid

Real Madrid have too much attacking talent for Rayo Vallecano, even if Benzema and Di Maria are out.

Madrid is very focused in La Liga and have done well not to let up against inferior sides. As a result, they are 10 points ahead of archrival Barcelona and will be champions barring an epic collapse.

I don't expect Madrid to have a letdown on Sunday, and they will take all three points from this match.