Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Real Madrid will host neighbours Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, as Los Blancos go looking for their eighth consecutive La Liga win against the club that hasn't beaten them since returning to the Spanish top division.
The hosts have been in sensational form in 2014-15, scoring almost at will and dominating the vast majority of teams they've so far faced. Rayo have lost two in a row going into Saturday's contest, but they still sit comfortably in the belly of the standings.
Los Blancos are strong favourites, but Carlo Ancelotti knows La Liga is gunning for his squad, as every team wants to be the first to topple Real and end this impressive win streak.
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Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 7 p.m. GMT/2 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports 5 (for UK viewers) and BeIN Sports USA (for U.S. viewers), with mobile coverage available via the Sky Go app and BeIN Sports Connect.
Preview
Fans and pundits have (rightfully) been raving about Real Madrid's hot start to the season, both on the domestic level and in the Champions League. Los Blancos are playing fantastic football, with quick movement and an emphasis on possession in midfield and deadly efficiency in front of goal.
Ancelotti is worried the endless stream of compliments could do more harm than good, as reported by Inside Spanish Football's Jamie Kemp:
"I am concerned that there are too many compliments. That means that when it doesn’t go well, there’s too much criticism. It’s clear that we’re working towards continuing our form but football can be unpredictable. There can be difficult times but you have to remain calm and serene.
[on if this is the best Real Madrid of his tenure?] I’m not sure. All I know is that I’m lucky to train a team with such incredible quality. I don’t plan to ever change the perception of the club.
"
According to Goal's James Willoughby, Real have beaten Rayo in 12 straight derbies, including a 5-0 thrashing at the Bernabeu last season. Those numbers are incredibly impressive, and there's little reason to believe the club won't continue their run.
Leo Baptistao and Alberto Bueno have proven themselves to be fantastic scoring options for Rayo, scoring 10 goals between them, per WhoScored.com. The rest of the team has only combined for three, however, highlighting Los Franjirrojos' biggest issues.
Rayo simply don't have the depth to cope with top teams, relying on the brilliance of Bueno and Baptistao to win them matches, instead. Eliminate the duo, and Rayo's attack becomes virtually toothless.
Defensively, the visitors concede too many "sloppy" goals, and against an attack as talented as Real's, any mistake can be lethal. The return of Gareth Bale will only add to Los Blancos' attacking prowess, as shared by SupportingBale:
The Welshman made a cameo against Liverpool and is expected to start on Saturday, adding more pace and drive out wide. Combined with the stunning form Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo are in, Real simply have too many weapons running at Rayo's back four.
Unlike most teams in La Liga, Rayo traditionally refuse to park the bus against the top clubs, something Bleacher Report's Samuel Marsden praised them for:
"Rayo Vallecano are often smothered in praise for the way they play against Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Under Jose Ramon Sandoval in their first season back in La Liga, but more so since Paco Jemez took charge of the Madrid-based club in the summer of 2012.
Rather than shut up shop, they stick to their usual style—open and attacking.
"
The strategy is both admirable and risky, particularly against the likes of Real. At this point, it appears outscoring Los Blancos is the only way of beating them, and with Raphael Varane leading the defence, such a scenario isn't looking likely.
Fans love watching matches that involve Rayo for their attacking intent, but all signs point to said philosophy leading to a 13th straight loss against big brothers Real.
Final Prediction: Real Madrid 4-0 Rayo Vallecano
