Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano (sports match)
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The gist
Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 5 of La Liga.
Madrid sit 3rd on 9 points, three behind leaders Barcelona.
Background
Real Madrid are managed by José Mourinho in his second spell in charge, and their defeat to Real Betis last Friday ended an unbeaten start to 2026–27. Rayo Vallecano have never won away at the Bernabéu, and Madrid have scored 38 goals in 11 previous meetings between the sides. Rayo arrive with several important players missing and have struggled defensively, with only Elche conceding more goals in La Liga this season.
How it unfolded
- Sep 7, 2026BBC publishes La Liga stats and head-to-head ahead of the fixture; the table shows Barcelona 1st on 12 points, Alavés 2nd on 10, and Real Madrid 3rd on 9.
- Sep 12, 2026Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 5 of La Liga, kick-off 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.
- Sep 12, 2026The match is available to watch live in the United States on ESPN+ and ESPN Select, with Fubo also carrying it.
- Sep 12, 2026Real Madrid return to La Liga action after beating Inter Milan 2-1 in their Champions League opener midweek.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Questions linger about whether Mourinho's side can keep up the relentless pace being set by Barcelona domestically.
- Caution
- Real Madrid's win over Inter Milan was described as far from convincing.
Still unverified
Real Madrid's win over Inter Milan was described as far from convincing; questions linger about whether Mourinho's side can keep up the pace being set by Barcelona domestically.