Real Madrid have confirmed their squad for Sunday’s matchday 22 meeting with Rayo Vallecano, with kick-off set for 2pm at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. With the league schedule accelerating and margins tightening at this stage of the season, this is the kind of fixture that demands both control and clarity: manage the rhythm, limit transitions, and make home advantage count.
The selection offers a strong spread of profiles across the pitch. There are three goalkeepers included, several defensive options capable of playing in more than one role, a midfield group packed with ball-winning and line-breaking quality, and an attacking unit built around pace, 1v1 threat and decisive finishing. In short: plenty of tools — and plenty of competition for minutes.
Squad list
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Fran González.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, Dean Huijsen.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos.
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo García, Brahim Díaz, Franco Mastantuono.
What stands out from the call-up
The headline is depth in key areas. In goal, the presence of Courtois and Lunin gives the coaching staff two trusted options, while including Fran González adds coverage and continuity.
Defensively, there’s flexibility on both flanks and in central areas. That matters against a Rayo side that can shift quickly from press to counter, and who often look to create chaos with aggressive runs, quick combinations and second balls. Having defenders who can defend space behind them — and also support in possession — is usually decisive in games like this.
In midfield, the squad contains a clear mix: ball-winners, carriers, and creators. That balance is crucial at the Bernabéu, where opponents often try to disrupt build-up and turn the match into a series of duels rather than a controlled contest. The presence of energetic, high-mobility midfielders suggests Real Madrid will look to win the ball early and keep sustained pressure in the attacking half.
Up front, the options provide every type of threat: direct speed in behind, wide dribblers to stretch the pitch, and players who can combine in tight spaces around the box. Against a compact defensive block — something Rayo can drop into after their initial press — decision-making in the final third is everything: when to accelerate, when to recycle, and when to take risks.
How the game could be won
Rayo matches are often about composure under pressure. If they press high, the first pass out of the back and the first touch in midfield can set the tone for the entire afternoon. Beat the press cleanly and space opens up; get trapped, and it becomes a scrappy contest where momentum swings fast.
For Real Madrid, the priorities feel straightforward:
- Start with intensity, not impatience. Early tempo is good — rushed decisions are not.
- Protect central zones in transition. That’s where counter-attacks become dangerous.
- Use width to create 1v1s. Stretching the pitch can force defensive mistakes.
- Be ruthless on set-pieces and rebounds. Tight games are often decided there.
Why this matters for RMxtra readers
This is the kind of team-news update supporters look for before line-ups drop: who’s available, what options exist, and what it might mean tactically. And it’s also the kind of fixture where narratives form quickly — a fast start can turn the Bernabéu into an advantage, while a slow one can invite frustration. With a loaded squad named and points at a premium, Real Madrid’s task is to translate selection strength into a complete performance.