Two clubs on the opposite ends of the La Liga table will collide this Sunday when Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Both clubs are coming off losses in league play and are aiming to get back on the winning track in their matchup.
Los Blancos were edged by Villareal 1–0 in their last La Liga outing which ended a two-match winning streak.
According to Vavel.com, the match last Sunday against Rayo is crucial for Real Madrid manager Rafael Benítez who might see the end of his stint for the club with another defeat.
The report added that despite the faith expressed by club owner Florentino Pérez, "the air grows thinner and thinner" for Benítez who needs to guide his club to victory against Rayo.
Winning against a struggling club like Rayo is not that big of a deal for Los Blancos, especially with the match being held in their home stadium, but it will be a good start for them.
Despite all the issues surrounding the managerial position, Real Madrid are still third in the La Liga table with 30 points in 15 matches played (9–3–3).
Above them are Barcelona and Atletico Madrid who are placed first and second respectively, but tied with 35 points.
A victory for Real this Sunday will help them have a firm grip on the third spot in the table with 33 points.
Meanwhile, Rayo are on a four-match winless streak in the La Liga with a draw against Getafe (1–1), followed by defeats to Athletic Bilbao (3–0), Villareal (2–1), and Malaga (2–1).
Los Vallecanos are 18th in the La Liga table with only 14 points in 15 games, having a 4–2–9 record.
If Rayo score an upset victory against Real Madrid, they will be having 17 points which will give them a huge leap in the table and bring them closer to the top 10.
The La Liga match between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano will be played this Sunday, Dec. 20, at 11:00 a.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
