The Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid is the setting for a captivating derby as Rayo Vallecano hosts league leaders Real Madrid for this Matchday 12 fixture in La Liga. Real Madrid, despite suffering their first major setback of the season with a midweek defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, remains comfortably at the top of the La Liga table with a significant five-point lead. They face a confident Rayo Vallecano side who have enjoyed a solid start to their season, sitting in mid-table, and enter the game buoyed by a dramatic comeback victory in the UEFA Conference League. This match is a crucial test of Los Blancos‘ resolve following their European loss and a significant opportunity for Rayo to cause an upset, continuing their trend of frustrating their high-profile city rivals on home soil.
Match Details
This Sunday evening fixture is a high-stakes local derby in the Spanish capital, with Real Madrid aiming to maintain their title momentum.
DetailInformationCompetitionLa Liga – Matchday 12DateSunday, November 9, 2025Kick-off4:15 PM CET (3:15 PM GMT)VenueEstadio de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain
Team Form and Analysis for Rayo Vallecano
Domestic Form and European Performance
Rayo Vallecano are performing well, currently occupying 10th position in the La Liga table with 14 points from 11 matches. Their record stands at four wins, two draws, and five defeats.
Los Franjirrojos (The Red Sashes) have demonstrated excellent recent form, winning three of their last four games across all competitions, a run that has included progress in the UEFA Conference League. Their last league outing, however, was a heavy 4-0 away defeat to Villarreal, a result they will be desperate to put right. Crucially, they arrive at the derby with a massive morale boost following a thrilling 3-2 home comeback victory against Lech Poznań in the Conference League on Thursday night, a result achieved after being 2-0 down. Manager Íñigo Pérez’s side is known for its intensity and pressing style, but their main concern is their home league form, having secured only five points from four matches at Vallecas this season.
Key Player: Isi Palazón
Winger Isi Palazón is one of Rayo Vallecano’s most influential and creative players. Operating mainly as a second striker or attacking midfielder, he is the engine of the Rayo attack, known for his relentless running, technical skill, and ability to take on defenders. Palazón has been directly involved in four goals this season (two goals, two assists) and his work rate and constant movement will be vital in pressuring the Real Madrid defence, especially in a compact, high-energy derby environment like Vallecas.
Team Form and Analysis for Real Madrid
Domestic Form and European Performance
Real Madrid are in dominant league form, sitting in 1st position in the La Liga table with an impressive 30 points from 11 matches. Their record stands at ten wins, zero draws, and only one defeat.
Los Blancos (The Whites) have been nearly flawless in La Liga, winning ten of their opening 11 matches, including a crucial Clásico win over Barcelona and a 4-0 thrashing of Valencia last weekend. They boast the best attack in the league with 26 goals scored and the best away form, having collected 12 points from five matches on the road. However, manager Xabi Alonso’s side suffered a reality check in midweek with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, ending a six-game winning streak across all competitions. This result places extra pressure on the team to deliver a convincing performance in Vallecas to reassert their domestic dominance before the international break.
Key Player: Kylian Mbappé
Striker Kylian Mbappé has had a phenomenal start to the season and is the clear focal point of the Real Madrid attack. The French international is the top goalscorer in La Liga with 13 goals from 11 matches, comfortably leading the scoring charts. Mbappé’s electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and ability to create chances make him a nightmare for any defence. Rayo’s deep block will need to manage his movement and prevent him from finding space behind the central defenders, as his goals will likely be the key to overcoming a potentially stubborn home side.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The head-to-head history is heavily in favour of the visitors, though recent meetings at Vallecas have become fiercely contested and high-scoring affairs.
MetricRayo Vallecano WinsDrawsReal Madrid WinsTotal La Liga Meetings6632Rayo Vallecano Unbeaten Run (Last 4)1 win3 drawsLast 4 Meetings (All Comps)1 win3 draws0 wins
Historically, Real Madrid have dominated this derby, winning 33 of the 46 competitive meetings. However, the dynamics have shifted recently at Vallecas. In their last six league meetings, Real Madrid have only won two, showing Rayo’s ability to frustrate their rivals. Crucially, three of the last four meetings have ended in a draw, including a chaotic 3-3 draw at Vallecas in December 2024 and a 1-1 draw in February 2024. Rayo’s most recent success came in a thrilling 3-2 win at home in November 2022.
Players to Watch
Rayo Vallecano
Álvaro García (Winger): The pacey winger is the joint-top goalscorer for Rayo this season. His quick transitions and direct threat on the left flank will be key to exploiting any space behind the attacking Real Madrid full-backs.
Florian Lejeune (Centre-Back): The experienced defender provides calmness and aerial solidity at the back. His ability to organize the defence and deal with the threat of Mbappé and Rodrygo will be essential for keeping the scoreline respectable.
Real Madrid
Vinícius Júnior (Winger): The Brazilian winger has continued his fantastic form, contributing five goals and four assists in the league. His electric dribbling and chemistry with Mbappé will be the main outlet for breaking down Rayo’s defence.
Arda Güler (Attacking Midfielder): The young Turkish international has impressed greatly this season, racking up three goals and five assists. His creativity and precision passing in the final third will be vital for unlocking the determined Rayo defence.
Prediction
This derby holds significant danger for the league leaders. Real Madrid are coming off a Champions League loss, which may have dented their confidence and caused some fatigue. Moreover, the Estadio de Vallecas is notoriously a tough, hostile environment where Rayo have consistently raised their game against their city rivals, demonstrated by their recent undefeated streak of three games against Real Madrid. However, Real Madrid’s league form has been exceptional, their attack is arguably the best in Europe, and they will be desperate for a response. Expect a fiery, high-intensity match with chances at both ends. Real Madrid should edge it, but they will have to fight hard for all three points.
Score Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Real Madrid
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This La Liga fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match is available to watch live on Premier Sports 2 and via the streaming service La Liga TV. Coverage starts shortly before the 3:15 PM GMT kick-off.
In the United States (US), the match is available to watch and stream live on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and Fubo TV. The kick-off time is 10:15 AM ET / 7:15 AM PT.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
