It's a Madrid derby as Real Madrid travel to the Estadio de Vallecas to face a struggling Rayo Vallecano side. Winless in five consecutive matches, Rayo will need quite a bit of help if they're to get points off of the league leaders even with Real Madrid still struggling with injuries.
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Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 18 | Time: 8 a.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de Vallecas -- Madrid, Spain
- TV: None | Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Rayo Vallecano +450; Draw +280; Real Madrid -160
Storylines
Rayo Vallecano: Scoring less than a goal per game, Rayo will need to be adventurous to take advantage of Real Madrid's ailing defense. While sitting back is usually the preferred option to not concede multiple goals to Los Blancos but when Rayo will likely concede no matter what, leaning into long shots from Isi Palazon could test the defense to make something happen in this derby.
Real Madrid: Antonio Rudiger may be recovering for Real Madrid but already leading La Liga by five points, this isn't a game worth risking him in with an important return leg against RB Leipzig coming in Champions League play. Jude Bellingham also won't be in the squad for this match but between Vinicius Junior, Joselu, and Rodrygo, there is plenty in attack to see off a Rayo side that has struggled defensively this season.
Prediction
After a tough Champions League match midweek, Real Madrid's defense will be susceptible due to rotation but that won't stop them from picking up all three points in this Madrid derby. Pick: Rayo Vallecano 1, Real Madrid 2
