Confirmed lineups for Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid sit third on the table and have the opportunity to overtake second-placed Atletico, face a tricky trip to Getafe, and close in on league leaders Barcelona, whose fixture with Osasuna was postponed, with a win against Rayo this afternoon.

Rayo Vallecano looked set to be challenging for the European places until last month, but failure to win their last three matches has seen their dream falter away. Ahead of their trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, the visitors sit seventh in the standings, but could climb to sixth with a win.

'Los Blancos' will crucially have Bellingham back available after the Englishman served his two-match suspension. Valverde, Rudiger and Courtois are rested ahead of the Champions League last 16 tie at Atletico on Wednesday, while Vallejo, Carvajal, Militao and Ceballos remain sidelined with injuries.

As for Rayo Vallecano, head coach Inigo Perez has been deprived of the services of several key players. Their top goalscorer De Frutos is out with suspension, while De Tomas, Mumin, Nteka, Palazon, Camello, Lopez and Montiel are all absent through injury.

Real Madrid's confirmed starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lunin (GK); Vazquez, Asencio, Alaba, Garcia; Tchouameni, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.

Rayo Vallecano's confirmed starting XI (4-2-3-1): Batalla (GK); Ratiu, Lejeune, Aridane, Espino; Diaz, Cisse; Embarba, Gumbao, Chavarria; Garcia.