It won't be an easy one for the visitors but Real Madrid are expected to win the away game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Pick: Real Madrid 2, Rayo Vallecano 0.

Real Madrid entered the clash with Rayo off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, and they were unable to return to winning ways, but the capital giants remain top of the La Liga table, three points ahead of second-placed Barcelona.

Real Madrid went into the international break after a difficult week, which resulted in a draw and a defeat against Rayo Vallecano and Liverpool. On top of that, Xabi Alonso now has some key injuries

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick as Barcelona won 4-2 against Celta Vigo in La Liga 2025-26 matchday 12, while league leaders Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano

Despite dropping points to Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano within the span of six days, Xabi Alonso insisted Real Madrid are not in “crisis” ahead of the November international break.

According to a positive report from AS, David Alaba is closing in on his return to action for Real Madrid, with the defender taking part in a significant portion of group training on Friday

Alaba has missed Real Madrid's last four matches due to a calf issue, and the Austrian remains a major doubt for the league contest with Rayo ahead of the November international break. Real Madrid have no players suspended for the league contest.