Real Madrid Aim for La Liga Summit at 4 AM: Mbappe Out, Bellingham Chases Six in a Row, James Rodríguez Faces Former Club

In the early hours of December 15th, Real Madrid will visit Rayo Vallecano in the 17th round of La Liga. With Kylian Mbappe sidelined due to injury, Carlo Ancelotti’s side has a golden opportunity to claim the top spot in the league, albeit temporarily. Jude Bellingham, in scintillating form, is on the verge of a historic sixth consecutive La Liga match with a goal. Meanwhile, James Rodríguez, a former Madrid star, could make an appearance against his old team.

A Shot at the Top

Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga with 36 points from 16 matches, trailing Barcelona, who lead with 38 points from 17 games. A victory over Rayo Vallecano would propel Los Blancos to the summit of the standings, a point clear of their Catalan rivals. However, this potential reign at the top might be short-lived, as Barcelona host Leganés just 24 hours later, giving Madrid what could be termed a "24-hour taste of glory."

The stakes are high for Madrid, especially considering their recent struggles against Rayo Vallecano. Despite their dominance in the historical head-to-head record—32 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses in 44 meetings—Real Madrid have failed to beat Rayo in their last two encounters. Both matches last season ended in draws: 0-0 at the Bernabéu and 1-1 at Vallecas. To make matters worse, two seasons ago, Madrid suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat at Vallecas.

Ancelotti’s side cannot afford complacency, especially in a match that could define their title challenge.

Mbappe Absent, Bellingham in the Spotlight

Kylian Mbappe’s injury absence is undoubtedly a blow to Real Madrid. The French superstar has been a key figure for the team this season, but his absence opens the door for others to step up. The attacking trio of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and the young Brazilian sensation Endrick will bear the responsibility of leading the line. Brahim Díaz, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, could also play a crucial role.

In midfield, Jude Bellingham is the man to watch. The Englishman has been nothing short of sensational this season, and his recent form has been jaw-dropping. Bellingham has scored in each of his last five La Liga matches, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments. His contributions have been pivotal:

• Vs. Osasuna: 1 goal, 1 assist
• Vs. Leganés: 1 goal
• Vs. Getafe: 1 goal, 1 assist
• Vs. Athletic Bilbao: 1 goal
• Vs. Girona: 1 goal, 1 assist

Operating in a more advanced role as a central attacking midfielder, Bellingham has flourished under Ancelotti’s system. His combination of technical skill, physicality, and composure in front of goal has made him one of the most dangerous players in La Liga. Against Rayo Vallecano, he will aim to extend his scoring streak to six consecutive league matches, a remarkable feat for any midfielder.

James Rodríguez: A Familiar Face

On the other side, Rayo Vallecano feature a player who needs no introduction to Real Madrid fans: James Rodríguez. The 33-year-old Colombian joined Rayo on a free transfer this summer, but his impact has been minimal so far. In six La Liga appearances, James has yet to register a goal or assist, and he has not featured in Rayo’s last three matches, spending all of them on the bench.

Once a pivotal figure under Carlo Ancelotti during his first stint at Madrid, James enjoyed a stellar 2014-15 season, contributing 17 goals and 18 assists while earning the La Liga Best Midfielder award. However, injuries and inconsistency saw his influence wane over the years.

Now far removed from his peak, James will look to make a statement against his former club, should he be given the opportunity to play. His presence on the bench, however, suggests that his role might be limited to a cameo appearance.

Real Madrid’s Probable Lineup

Ancelotti is expected to deploy a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Bellingham occupying the advanced midfield role behind the strikers. Despite Mbappe’s absence, Madrid’s lineup remains formidable:

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
• Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho Fernández, Fran García
• Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Luka Modrić
• Attacking Midfielder: Jude Bellingham
• Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo

This setup emphasizes Madrid’s strength in midfield, with Valverde and Modrić providing creativity and control, while Tchouaméni offers defensive solidity. Bellingham will have the freedom to roam and join the attack, linking up with Vinícius and Rodrygo, who possess the pace and flair to trouble any defense.

Rayo Vallecano’s Challenge

Rayo Vallecano, currently mid-table, will look to exploit Madrid’s vulnerabilities. They are no strangers to causing upsets, as evidenced by their 3-2 victory over Madrid two seasons ago. Manager Francisco Rodríguez will likely set up his team to frustrate Madrid with a compact defensive shape while relying on counterattacks to create chances.

Key players for Rayo include Isi Palazón and Álvaro García, who have been instrumental in their attacking play. While James Rodríguez’s form has been underwhelming, his experience and technical ability could prove valuable in a high-stakes encounter like this one.

What’s at Stake

For Real Madrid, this match represents more than just three points. It’s an opportunity to assert their dominance in the league and send a message to their rivals. A win would not only put them at the top of the table but also boost their confidence ahead of a busy schedule.

For Rayo Vallecano, a positive result against Madrid would be a significant morale booster and a chance to climb the standings. Despite their underdog status, Rayo have shown they can compete with the league’s elite, and they will relish the chance to derail Madrid’s title ambitions, even if only temporarily.

As the clock ticks down to the 4 AM kickoff, all eyes will be on Vallecas. Can Real Madrid seize the top spot and keep their title dreams alive, or will Rayo Vallecano play the role of spoilers once again? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter.