Madrid ring the changes as Ancelotti hands shock start to Mastantuono against struggling Rayo

Real Madrid return to the Bernabéu looking to bounce back from European disappointment as they host a Rayo Vallecano side in freefall.

Defensive crisis continues

The injury troubles at the back continue for Los Blancos with Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mendy, and Militao all unavailable for selection. This has forced Ancelotti into some creative solutions, with Camavinga continuing at left-back and young Dean Huijsen getting another opportunity in central defense alongside Asencio.

The makeshift backline will be hoping for a more solid showing after Madrid’s Champions League struggles in Lisbon, which saw them drop out of the competition’s top eight.

Mastantuono gets the nod

In what might be the biggest surprise of the teamsheet, 16-year-old Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono has been handed a start in Madrid’s attacking line alongside the established stars Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. The teenage sensation, who joined from River Plate with massive expectations, gets his chance to shine at the Bernabéu.

Arda Güler also returns to the starting lineup as Ancelotti opts for a blend of youth and experience against the visitors from Vallecas.

Rayo in desperate form

Things aren’t looking particularly rosy for the visitors either. Rayo Vallecano arrive at the Bernabéu in dire straits after three consecutive defeats - two in the league and a Copa del Rey knockout in Vitoria. Their margin for error is getting smaller by the week as they slide dangerously close to the relegation scrap.

With Unai López their only significant absentee, Rayo will be hoping to cause an upset and turn their fortunes around against their illustrious neighbors.

Confirmed lineups

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Camavinga; Güler, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius

Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Chavarría; Pathé Ciss, Gumbau; Ilias, Isi, Álvaro, De Frutos