Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano - Preview and possible lineups

Real Madrid: Nacho and Casemiro remain out, but Toni Kroos should start after returning midweek. Gareth Bale picked up a knock though and has been ruled out. 

Rayo: Forward Raul de Tomas cannot play against his parent club and will join Gorka Elustondo and Gael Kakuta on the sideline. 

Solari: How are people not going to believe in Real Madrid after so many titles. I genuinely believe, and I say this with the best intentions, that to be involved in this constant hyperbole is a bit tasteless. We’re still very much alive in all competitions, four in total, and that requires a lot of energy. For you guys, there's a 'but' in every win. Every detail to come out of this club is scrutinised immensely, but our focus cannot be on those things. You do your job and we'll do ours, which is to focus on the Rayo match.​

Michel: We are going to try to play a good game and play at a high level, with the hope and the idea of getting something positive. We can't throw a game or start making calculations. We have to give our best and come out satisfied with the performance of the team. All opponents are difficult and each game is an opportunity to get away from her and start to bring back some confidence.

Did you know?

Rayo have lost each of their last 16 matches against Real Madrid.

Score prediction: 1-1

Real possible lineup: Courtois, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos, Ceballos, Vazquez, Asensio, Benzema

Rayo possible lineup: Dimitrievski, Advincula, Galvez, Amat, Moreno, Trejo, Pozo, Imbula, Comesana, Embarba, Garcia