Mbappe, Diaz, and Vinícius Lead Real Madrid’s Firepower Against Rayo Vallecano

Lineup and Stakes

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s head coach, announced the starting lineup for the home clash against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga matchday 12. He lined up a three-man attack featuring Brahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior.

The starting XI was listed as: Thibaut Courtois, Fede Valverde, Hussein, Asensio, Carreras, Camavinga, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Brahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior.

Outlook, Form, and Tensions

Madrid, top of the table, aims to rebound to winning ways after a stumble at Liverpool, hoping to preserve their lead before the international break. They had secured four consecutive league wins since a heavy 2-5 loss at Atlético Madrid in week seven, which briefly dethroned them, before reclaiming top spot as Barcelona faltered at Sevilla.

Despite the gap to rivals, Vallecano remains a stubborn foe, having drawn with Madrid three times in the last four meetings, twice on Vallecas turf and once at the Bernabéu.

Madrid will be without French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni due to a thigh injury, but they rely on Mbappé to rediscover his scoring touch after the Liverpool clash. Mbappé is enjoying the best start of his career, with 18 goals in 14 games across La Liga and the Champions League, shining in major clashes like the Clasico.

No Madrid player has started a season stronger since Benzema in 2022 or Ronaldo in 2015, when they posted prolific early returns in La Liga. The club has also faced locker-room tensions, with reports suggesting strains in the squad and management’s handling of star players, notably after substitution incidents and comments by teammates.

Technically, Alonso’s side has faced questions about rotation and pressing intensity. The team won the latest Clasico with a star-forward lineup, prompting questions about whether systemic changes are on the way or if this edition will lean on its established stars for results. A broader fatigue issue remains a concern as the club balances domestic duties with European commitments.

In response, Madrid reportedly brought in a new conditioning approach at Valdebebas, aiming to optimize physical readiness, though data in recent big-match performances shows a lower work rate than some rivals in certain contexts. The prevailing view in some outlets is that the current Madrid squad leans on individual brilliance rather than a redefining tactical approach, at least for now.