Real Madrid is gearing up for a crucial LaLiga fixture against Rayo Vallecano, a match that could heavily influence the title race. With two teams ahead of them in the standings, Los Blancos cannot afford to drop more points if they hope to stay in contention. However, this match carries an unexpected challenge for Carlo Ancelotti—one that has nothing to do with Pep Guardiola or Diego Simeone.
Since his return to Madrid, Ancelotti has struggled against only one LaLiga coach: Íñigo Pérez, Rayo Vallecano’s young and promising manager. Despite facing Pérez’s team twice, the Italian has yet to secure a victory, making this upcoming clash a test of whether Madrid can finally break that streak.
Rotations Expected as Madrid Juggles LaLiga and the Champions League
Real Madrid’s Champions League ambitions are also a major factor in Ancelotti’s lineup decisions. With a massive second-leg showdown against Atlético Madrid on the horizon, the Italian coach is expected to make several rotations against Rayo.
Potential lineup changes:
Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni could be rested.
Rodrygo and Mbappé may also start on the bench.
Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy could sit out to stay fresh for the Champions League.
Jude Bellingham returns after serving his suspension.
Madrid knows that a poor result against Rayo could cost them the title race, but at the same time, keeping players fresh for the European battle is crucial.
Íñigo Pérez – The Only LaLiga Manager Ancelotti Hasn’t Beaten
Surprisingly, Íñigo Pérez remains unbeaten against Real Madrid since taking over at Rayo Vallecano. The Pamplona-born manager has faced Ancelotti twice—both matches ended in draws.
What makes Pérez’s record even more impressive is that only one other LaLiga coach—Hansi Flick—remains undefeated against Ancelotti. While Madrid has had dominant results against most teams, Pérez has managed to frustrate Los Blancos and avoid defeat.
However, both of those games were played at Vallecas. This time, Rayo will have to face Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, where their historical record is far from encouraging.
Rayo Vallecano’s Poor Record at the Bernabéu
While Rayo has proven to be a tough opponent at home, their visits to Chamartín have been a nightmare.
Rayo’s record at the Bernabéu:
No goals scored since 2000
Failed to win in their last 25 visits
Struggled to even earn draws
Given this history, Real Madrid will be determined to end their struggles against Pérez and extend their dominant run over Rayo at home.
Ancelotti’s Must-Win Match
With Atlético Madrid and Barcelona also playing this weekend, this match becomes even more crucial. If Madrid fails to win, they could fall further behind, making next week’s Barça-Atlético showdown even more decisive.
Ancelotti knows what’s at stake. While the Champions League remains a priority, Madrid cannot afford another slip-up in LaLiga—especially against a team that hasn’t won at the Bernabéu in over two decades.
Will Ancelotti finally break his winless streak against Pérez? Or will the Rayo manager continue to be his unexpected ‘black beast’?
