Real Madrid were not at their best against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, but they still did enough to take the three points with a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. It is a result that means the

Carlo Ancelotti's side endured a difficult second half but took reassurance from David Alaba's performance at the back

Real Madrid are expected to win quite easily the game against Rayo as they need to get back to winning in the league between the two Champions League games. Pick: Real Madrid 2, Rayo Vallecano 0.

Prior to their UCL round of 16 second-leg match with Atletico Madrid, Jude Bellingham hobbled off in Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Carlo Ancelotti defended Real Madrid's performance in their 2-1 LaLiga win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, pointing to the struggles of a number of teams balancing Champions League football with domestic duties.

Real Madrid faces Rayo Vallecano on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu in a key La Liga game. Los Blancos will go into it knowing exactly what their rivals Barcelo

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has never shown any fear of confounding the received perceptions within the Madrid-based media, and the Italian could be about to go against the grain again.