Rayo Vallecano news

Xabi Alonso has admitted that Trent Alexander-Arnold is ready to start for Real Madrid this weekend. The England international has endured a testing start to life in Madrid following his high-profile move to the capital from Liverpool, with injuries restricting the 27-year-old to just two league starts. However, the defender is fit to feature from the off against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

David Alaba has rejoined Real Madrid group training and is expected to be in the squad for Sunday's La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, providing a major boost for Xabi Alonso. The defender returns from a calf injury that has seen him miss four games, as the club continues to cope with injuries to Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Julian Alvarez silenced talk of a rift with Diego Simeone in the best way possible, by firing a stunning hat-trick that sealed Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 comeback win over Rayo Vallecano. After the match, the Argentine forward addressed the lip-reading controversy from the Mallorca game, insisting his frustration was misinterpreted and that his bond with Simeone remains intact.

Julian Alvarez ended his goal drought in spectacular fashion with a hat-trick that sealed Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, offering a lifeline to Diego Simeone’s inconsistent side. While Simeone hailed the Argentine as Atleti’s “best player” and called for him to stay long-term, the result only briefly masks the club’s broader struggles as they prepare for a decisive Madrid derby.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick reportedly locked Marcus Rashford & Co. in the dressing room following their draw with Rayo Vallecano as the Blaugrana boss was left fuming with the dip in standards. After a bright start to the campaign, which saw the Catalan giants secure 3-0 and 3-2 wins over Mallorca and Levante respectively, the draw left Flick seething.