Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano in a fixture of little significance to them, but of massive importance for the visitors.
After a promising start to 2019, Vallecano’s season came crumbling down following a woeful run that began in February. Winning just one game ever since, the minnows find themselves in the last position as they enter matchday 35.
A defeat on Sunday coupled with other results going against them could relegate Vallecano.
Madrid will be playing for pride, with players incentivised to impress manager Zinedine Zidane ahead of the next season.
We take a look at some of the talking points ahead of game.
Opportunity comes knocking for Marco Asensio
From scoring screamers against Barcelona in the Spanish Supercup in 2017 to struggling to force himself into the starting line-up, Marco Asensio’s career has clearly hit a speed-bump.
The winger was not a regular under Julen Lopetegui or Santiago Solari and has started just 19 games this season. Given Asensio’s quality and the lack of options Madrid found themselves in during such a poor season, one could assume that the Spaniard should probably have played more.
Vinicius Junior impressed and earned a starter’s spot under Solari and pushed Asensio further down the pecking order.
With Bale looking out of sorts and Karim Benzema – the only threat in Madrid’s front-line – side-lined due to injury, the 23-year-old is bound to start against Vallecano.
The versatile winger can play as a number 10 too and offers a lot of options in the final third – something Madrid desperately need.
With Eden Hazard topping Madrid’s summer shopping list, Asensio must arrest his poor form and bring out his best against Vallecano.
Zizou has his pick, Navas it is
Keylor Navas
In a span of about two months, Thibaut Courtois won the golden glove at the World Cup and earned a move to Madrid. In the same time, Keylor Navas went from a Champions League winner to a second choice keeper.
However, the Belgian’s debut season for Los Blancos has been dismal. It did not help that injuries have made it harder for the former Chelsea custodian to truly establish himself at the club. The return of Zidane as a manager has further faced him with challenges.
Zidane’s undying faith in the veteran keeper is no secret. It’s been over a month and a half since Courtois started for Madrid, with Navas slowly regaining his place between the sticks.
An argument can be made about how the former has been injured for most parts, but it’s unlikely that the Madrid boss will be changing his preference. Zidane chose Navas over a fully fit Courtois against Getafe and it worked like a charm, much to the delight of the Costa Rican.
Navas faced as much as nine shots – five of which were on target – and dealt with them very well en route to a clean-sheet. Jorge Molina and Jaime Mata – the best attacking duo among dark horses – were kept at bay by the 32-year-old.
Is Navas set to cement his spot as the first choice custodian?
Raphael Varane on red alert
Raphael Varane
The duo of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane was hailed as arguably the best pairing at centre-back in Europe after they held their own in the Champions League. Two months later, the Frenchman paired with Samuel Umtiti to help France secure the World Cup. Yet again, he was the talk of the town.
Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, his form took a massive dip this season. Every Madrid player has experienced a rough patch but it’s always more obvious for defenders and goalkeepers.
While Ramos has struggled too, the extent of decline pales in comparison to that of Varane. The Frenchman has been erroneous and has looked short of his usual, brilliant self. He has failed to lead the defence whenever Ramos was not on the field due to injuries or suspensions.
Varane clearly lacked competition for his spot in the starting line-up due to lack of squad depth. But Eder Militao’s arrival this summer could change everything.
The Porto defender who has signed for the Spanish giants has shown in the Champions League that he has the potential to start for a top European club. Varane now has something to play for, as he looks to right his wrongs and return to his former glory.
