Real Madrid<\/a> are back in La Liga<\/a> action this Saturday, welcoming Rayo Vallecano<\/a> to the Santiago Bernab\u00e9u for their fifth matchday fixture of the season.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The hosts arrive in good spirits, currently placed fourth in the table with nine points from their opening four league games. Their domestic campaign began with three consecutive victories: a narrow 2\u20131 success against Espanyol, followed by an emphatic 4\u20131 win over Real Sociedad, and then a dominant 4\u20130 triumph against M\u00e1laga. Their only league blemish so far came in a 1\u20130 loss to Real Betis, but they responded immediately in midweek with a gritty 2\u20131 Champions League win over Inter Milan to restore momentum.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Manager Jos\u00e9 Mourinho gets a significant boost ahead of this capital derby, as three key midfielders\u2014Arda G\u00fcler, Bernardo Silva, and Eduardo Camavinga\u2014are all cleared to feature after missing the midweek European tie due to continental suspensions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n These bans were carried over from red cards in last season\u2019s Champions League, which ruled them out against Inter but do not apply in La Liga.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In another positive update, reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has shaken off an illness and is back in contention for the matchday squad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mourinho must still manage several important absences. Defender \u00c9der Milit\u00e3o remains out with a muscle problem, while forward Rodrygo continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury and left-back Ferland Mendy is sidelined with a hip issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n On a brighter note in defence, Ra\u00fal Asencio has returned to full fitness after a pre-season knee injury and has been named in the squad for the first time this campaign.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Thibaut Courtois is projected to start in goal, with the defensive setup likely to include wing-back roles for Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella as part of Mourinho\u2019s tactical plan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Possible Real Madrid starting XI:\u00a0<\/strong>Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Saturday, 12th September.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n For viewers in the United Kingdom, the Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano fixture will be shown live and exclusively on Disney+ Premium.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Read Also \u2013\u00a0AC Milan XI vs Lazio \u2013 Predicted lineup and team news<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nReal Madrid team news<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Real Madrid predicted lineup<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
When will the match kick off?<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
How to watch Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano?<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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