Real Madrid–Rayo: likely line-ups and rotations after Inter

Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu at 21:00 in LaLiga’s fifth matchday, looking to bounce back to league wins after losing to Real Betis at La Cartuja. As MARCA explains, the team may rotate given the workload from their Champions League game versus Inter, with the aim of getting back on track.

Injuries and a return

On the availability front, MARCA reports that coach Mourinho is still without Éder Militao, Rodrygo and Mendy due to injury. That forces him to keep much of the back line that played midweek. The positive news is the return of Antonio Asencio, who has already joined the group for a couple of training sessions.

Rayo missing key players

Rayo arrive boosted by a 3-2 win over Racing at Butarque. According to MARCA, Beñat San José’s XI is affected by suspensions for Jorge de Frutos and Fran Pérez, both sent off in the most recent league game. They also have injury absences for Isi Palazón, Nteka, Luiz Felipe, Batalla and Vertrouwd, alongside doubts over Kumbulla and Balliu.

With Mourinho’s side potentially shuffling the lineup and both teams carrying a list of absences, MARCA highlights how Real Madrid will manage the starting XI in a derby that keeps them in the chase near the top of the table—currently third with nine points.