A match by default. That’s how the duel between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano could be defined, played this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Whites ‘did their homework’ in the first half with the reappearance of Vinicius and Mbappé, and knew how to suffer when a great goal from Pedro Díaz reduced the deficit. Carlo Ancelotti‘s side played the second half with their minds more on the Metropolitano where they will play Atlético de Madrid in the second leg of the last sixteen next Wednesday.
Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano (2-1) in a game that was a real nail-biter, hearing whistles from his fans in the second half for his lack of control and in which Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Junior appeared to settle the derby before the one they will play on Wednesday at the Metropolitano in the Champions League against an Atlético de Madrid who, after losing to Getafe (2-1), were snatched second place in the league.
With that Champions League match in mind, Ancelotti decided to rotate the starting eleven to give some of his players a rest and bring fresh legs into the midfield. Despite the rotations, some of his important players ended the match with niggles, setting off alarm bells at Real Madrid for the Champions League.
One of those who finished the match against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu substituted and with discomfort was Jude Bellingham. A Bellingham who was returning after three matches for consecutive suspensions between La Liga and the Champions League for the ‘fuck you/off’ in Pamplona and the accumulation of yellow cards in Europe. The English player was substituted in the 85th minute and treated with ice for some discomfort, something that Ancelotti reassured him about, saying that Bellingham’s was “a blow, nothing serious”.
On the other hand, neither Rodrygo nor Vinicius finished the match against Rayo Vallecano, both due to various injuries they suffered. In the case of the former, he complained about his hand during the match, and the medical staff had to intervene. Everything indicates that he suffered a blow to the metatarsal of his left hand.
For his part, Vinicius Jr also required medical attention for a problem with his foot. Specifically, the problem was a small discomfort in one of his right toes, but it does not appear to be serious either. In all three cases, it is hoped that they will be fully fit to face Atlético this Wednesday.