Rival watch: Rayo Vallecano suffer major squad blow ahead of Real Madrid visit

Real Madrid return to La Liga action against Rayo Vallecano with little room for another slip-up, and their opponents could be without several important players at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos arrive after opening their Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Inter Milan. 

Their domestic situation is less comfortable, though, after the defeat to Real Betis left them trailing Barcelona at the top of the table.

With Barça already putting together an impressive run, Real Madrid cannot afford to drop more points this early in the season. 

Jose Mourinho will be looking for an immediate response when Rayo visit the capital.

The visitors, meanwhile, are dealing with a growing list of absentees.

Rayo Vallecano lose another forward

Randy Nteka will miss the Real Madrid clash. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

According to Mundo Deportivo, Rayo Vallecano will be without several players for the trip to Madrid, with Randy Nteka the latest addition to the injury list.

The Angolan striker suffered a muscle strain during training this week and is now expected to miss the match.

Rayo were already preparing for the game without Isi Palazon, who is recovering from a muscle injury. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla is also unavailable after undergoing surgery for a fracture to his right tibia.

The absences do not end there. Fran Perez and Jorge de Frutos will both sit out after receiving red cards in Rayo’s previous league fixture.

Rayo manager Benat San Jose therefore faces some difficult selection decisions against a Real Madrid side that will be eager to build on its European victory.

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As per the outlet, there is also uncertainty surrounding Ivan Balliu.

Ivan Balliu is also doubtful for Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Albanian right-back picked up a heavy challenge in Rayo’s last match and his ankle is now badly bruised. San Jose has not ruled him out, but the defender faces a race against time to be fit.

“His ankle is badly bruised, but he’s a tough one and is doing everything he can to be fit.”

Real Madrid cannot afford another La Liga setback

For Real Madrid, the Champions League victory over Inter provided a positive response after the Betis defeat, but domestic consistency is now the priority. 

Barcelona’s early form has already created pressure at the top of the table, making every dropped point more costly.

Rayo’s depleted squad should make life more difficult for San Jose, although Real Madrid still have to turn that advantage into three points.