Actual Madrid are with out prime scorer Jude Bellingham for the go to to face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday, however Carlo Ancelotti has loads of choices. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have discovered prime type after early season struggles, whereas Brahim Diaz and Joselu have established themselves as very good again up. La Liga leaders Madrid pumped second-place Girona 4-0 final weekend to take a 5 level lead on the prime of the desk. Bellingham netted a brace however was then taken off with an ankle damage that might maintain him out for 3 weeks.
Madrid’s defence has been badly depleted by accidents this season however in assault the coach has a number of different choices.
Diaz has wanted deep reserves of persistence, spending three seasons on mortgage at AC Milan, however has lastly confirmed he is usually a weapon for Ancelotti forward of the derby conflict at Rayo’s Vallecas stadium.
The Spanish playmaker, 24, is ready to start out in opposition to Rayo Vallecano if he recovers from a knock sustained after scoring a superb purpose in opposition to RB Leipzig in midweek.
Diaz’s strike earned Madrid a 1-0 Champions League final 16 first leg win on the street and was additional proof he can develop into an important part for Los Blancos.
The previous Manchester Metropolis midfielder stepped in for the injured Bellingham and presents talent and mobility in attacking areas to unpick defences.
“I noticed him come again (from mortgage) extra highly effective, stronger, with extra character,” mentioned Ancelotti on Tuesday.
“He had confidence in himself, he scored a spectacular purpose, he introduced quite a bit and he labored arduous… when he began the transfer (earlier than scoring), I shouted at him to not lose the ball, and he did not lose it.”
Joselu has additionally earned excessive reward from the coach.
Though his arrival on mortgage from second division Espanyol raised eyebrows, the 33-year-old goal man has been an vital supply of objectives with 12 in all competitions.
“He is doing every thing he wants to remain at Actual Madrid,” famous Ancelotti earlier in February.
“He is been spectacular, it is a blessing to have somebody with this high quality … he is a critical and really humble one that we love.”
Vitally for Madrid their dynamic Brazilian duo Vinicius and Rodrygo are discovering their prime type within the enterprise finish of the season.
Vinicius shone in opposition to Girona and gave Yan Couto such a torrid afternoon he ended the match in tears.
“When he performs like this and with this perspective, he is the perfect on the earth, in my private opinion,” mentioned the Italian.
Regardless of a sluggish begin to the marketing campaign, beset by numerous damage points, Vinicius has 12 objectives throughout all competitions and is on the right track to no less than match his finest tally of 23, final season.
Whereas Madrid will miss Bellingham, clearly Rayo Vallecano will not be off the hook.
They’re 14th and sacked coach Francisco Rodriguez after seven months on the helm earlier this week, on a 5 match winless run.
Inigo Perez changed him and the coach’s first job is to discover a technique to cease Madrid’s attacking pressure — Ancelotti’s aspect have now scored 52 objectives, degree with Girona because the division’s prime scorers.
Participant to look at: Borja Mayoral (Getafe)
Getafe striker Mayoral has the possibility to meet up with injured Actual Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on the prime of Spain’s scoring charts. Mayoral, previously a Los Blancos participant himself, has 15 objectives and trails Bellingham by one forward of his aspect’s go to to face an inconsistent Villarreal outfit on Friday.
Key stats
13 – Cadiz winger Ivan Alejo has essentially the most bookings within the prime flight
95.8 – Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen leads the league on go completion share
139 – Alaves winger Luis Rioja has crossed greater than some other La Liga participant
Fixtures
Friday
Villarreal v Getafe (2000)
Saturday
Atletico Madrid v Las Palmas (1300), Osasuna v Cadiz (1515), Celta Vigo v Barcelona (1730), Valencia v Sevilla (2000)
Sunday
Rayo Vallecano v Actual Madrid (1300), Granada v Almeria (1515), Actual Mallorca v Actual Sociedad (1730), Actual Betis v Alaves (2000)
Monday
Athletic Bilbao v Girona (2000)
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