Real Madrid will look to recover from their defeat by Real Betis when they host neighbours Rayo Vallecano in the fifth round of La Liga on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at 19:00 GMT.
The two-time title favourites have already dropped three points after four matches and cannot afford another setback in the race with FC Barcelona. Nasser Eddy, a consultant on NCI Sport and presenter of the European Champions League on radio Nostalgie, expects Real Madrid to take the points, with a 1.15 price for a home win.
Real Madrid
Despite a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, Real Madrid’s performance offered little reassurance. They had only about one-third of possession, while a vulnerable defence relied heavily on Thibaut Courtois, who produced another outstanding display in goal.
Kylian Mbappe has again carried much of the attacking responsibility. Real Madrid have managed exactly eight shots on target in four of their five competitive matches this season, but have won all three of their home games in all competitions. They have also not lost a La Liga match at Santiago Bernabeu since 2 March, when Getafe won there.
Mbappe has scored four goals in four league appearances, as well as once against Inter Milan. The leading scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League last season has also been named among the 30 nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or and remains the key player to watch.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano face a difficult short journey across Madrid. They are 14th in the table and only recorded their first victory last Saturday, beating Racing Santander 3-2 at home. Both of their league defeats this season have come away from home.
After finishing eighth with 50 points last season, Rayo Vallecano appear set for a fight against relegation this time. They have scored in every match but have conceded 10 goals in four games, including five against FC Barcelona. Pathe Cisse’s side opened the scoring in each of the three league matches they failed to win, while conceding four goals in the first half and six after the interval.
They have scored four times before half-time and three times afterwards. Sergio Camello has already matched his entire goal tally from last season with five goals, including consecutive braces, one against FC Barcelona. Unai Lopez has supplied three assists, two in the previous round, and is joint second in the assist standings.
Real Madrid have won 14 of their 20 meetings with Rayo Vallecano since 2011-12, with Rayo winning twice and drawing four. Real Madrid’s biggest victory was a 10-2 success in December 2015. However, the last 13 meetings have all been decided by two goals or fewer. Last season, Rayo drew 0-0 at home before losing 2-1 at Santiago Bernabeu.
The recommended 1xBet selection is Real Madrid to win and both teams to score at 2.45. Rayo Vallecano to score first is priced at 5.55, both teams to score in each half at 13, and Mbappe to score at any time at 1.2. Odds may change.