Game ya kesho ni muhimu sana, ukizingati sasa hivi Real Madrid ndio wanaongoza ligi hawataki kupoteza hata game moja. Wanacheza na Rayo, na siyo timu ya kuidharau hata kidogo. Rayo inatoka pale pale Madrid, ni timu ya wahuni ukiwachezea unaaibika. Lakini kesho ni kipigo tu
Real Madrid look to protect top spot at the Bernabéu
The Whites are out to claim a thirteenth consecutive victory as they take on Rayo ahead of the international break.
Just one final step remains. 90 minutes are all that stand between Real Madrid and a full-house of wins in the period separating the last international break from the one that gets underway after this encounter. Practically a month of victories, six to be precise, between Madrid signing off for international week on 5 October and doing so again tonight.
It will be Rayo who put to the test the status of La Liga leaders enjoyed by the Whites, who for the first time this season play in front of their home crowd sitting top of the pile. The aim is none other than to pick up a thirteenth consecutive win, so as to stay in first place and even increase the gap over Valencia, Atlético, Barcelona and Sevilla. Madrid sit one point ahead of Los Che and Atleti, and a further point clear of the other two teams in pursuit.
Carlo Ancelotti has named a 19-man squad for the match-up. Of particular note is the inclusion of the Real Madrid Castilla midfielders Medrán and Aguza. Also involved will be Benzema, who - as the Italian coach indicated to the press - is on an exceptional run of form: "He feels important to this team and that's the key to the way he's playing at the moment. He's a very important player."
Two wins in their last three away games in La Liga Starting with their opening match of the La Liga season, Rayo Vallecano have shown that they are a side that appear to be consolidating in Primera División a little more every year. A goalless draw with the league champions brought plenty of encouragement to an outfit that seems to be moving further away from the relegation places as the competitive season progresses. Their home defeat to Eibar on Monday leaves them in twelfth position, but just three points off Villarreal in eighth.
There has been no shortage of praise for Rayo, with Ancelotti joining in during his pre-match press conference yesterday: "We're up against a team that has its own style and is a prime example for explaining what Spanish football is like abroad." The goalkeeper Toño, who was injured against Eibar, misses out.
"Personally, I really like how Isco plays. Bale is very fast and strong. They have impressive qualities. Real Madrid are at their best moment of the season and it will be difficult."
" I have to say that Real Madrid are possibly the best team in the world amongst other things. The quality they have, with players out the side who are of a very similar level to those who are in it."
Cristiano Ronaldo will present his European Golden shoe at the Bernabeu tonight before the match.
The Portuguese star will share the trophy with the fans before the match against Rayo.
Before the start of today's encounter between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano (8pm CET), Cristiano Ronaldo will offerhis third Golden Shoe to the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. The gesture will see the Madrid supporters join the forward in celebrating the trophy he received on Wednesday for the 31 La Liga goals he scored last season, which proved enough to make him the top scorer in European league football.
Horrible decision by James for back-pass, AND REAL MADRID CONCEDED FROM THAT UNEXPECTED MISTAKE.
Dakika ya 44, James anafanya makosa makubwa sana, anarudisha mpira nyuma unanaswa na maadui, na Alberto Bueno anaipatia Rayo bao.
Sasa ni mapumziko, Real Madrid 2 na Rayo 1.