In a La Liga matchday 36 fixture, Real Madrid will host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu, a showdown that pits the Spanish giants against a team aiming to cap the season on a high note. Real Madrid hopes to climb back to second place in the standings with a victory on home soil, while Rayo Vallecano, already safe from relegation, seeks to end the campaign among the upper tier of the table.
Real Madrid arrives at this contest still smarting from a 0-1 defeat to Valencia on matchday 35. That game was marred by controversy after racist chants directed at Vinícius Jr, who was also sent off. Carlo Ancelotti’s side sits third in the league table with 71 points, and a win would keep them in the title race and secure valuable momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, lost 2-1 in their most recent league outing to Espanyol, Raul de Tomas on the scoresheet for the visitors. Under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, the team sits eleventh with 46 points, a comfortable cushion from relegation but eager to finish the year with a strong showing against one of Spain’s most storied clubs.
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Here GOAL shares everything you need to know about the game and what it could mean for both sides as the season nears its conclusion.
WHEN IS?
The fixture is set for a weekend clash at the Bernabéu with kick-off times to be confirmed by the league, offering a late-season drama that could influence European qualification spots and final league positioning.
HOW TO SEE ON TV
In South America, the match will be shown on DirectTV Sports. In Mexico, aerial sports coverage is available as well. In the United States, ESPNews will carry the game. In Spain, Movistar will be the broadcaster of choice for fans.
HOW TO WATCH BY STREAMING
Streaming options mirror the television rights, with DirectTV Go offering South American viewers access, while Mexico can use DirectTV Go’s Mexican lineup. In the United States, ESPN+ will stream the match, and Movistar will handle streaming in Spain. DIRECTV Go is an online platform that brings live sports, movies, and series to fans. To access it, viewers need a DIRECTV subscription and a MyDIRECTV account, then they can use the DIRECTV Go app on Android or iOS, or simply log in from a computer.
FORMATIONS
REAL MADRID
To confirm.
VALLECAN RAY
To confirm
CLOSING NOTES
This preview reflects the current form and the league context surrounding two proud clubs as they contest a fixture that could shape the final stages of the season. The Bernabéu atmosphere, the potential for a pivotal shift in the standings, and the ongoing conversations about fan behavior will all contribute to what promises to be a memorable night for supporters.
Cited by Goal