Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano as they look to keep pace with Barcelona

Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday 12 September, with the home side aiming to stay close to LaLiga leaders FC Barcelona.

The fifth-round fixture in Spain’s top flight will kick off at 19:00 GMT in Madrid.

Match details and broadcasting

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid Date: Saturday 12 September 2026 Kick-off: 19:00 GMT

The match will be available on DAZN France or Disney+ in France; Premier Sports 1 and Disney+ UK in the United Kingdom; and LALIGA TV through Movistar+ or DAZN in Spain.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the broadcasters are Canal+ Sport Afrique and SuperSport. DAZN Canada will show the game in Canada, while viewers in the United States can watch on ESPN+ or ESPN Deportes.

The match will also be broadcast by beIN Sports in North Africa and the MENA region, Sky Sports in Mexico, Disney+/ESPN in Brazil, and DAZN in Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Austria.

Real Madrid hold the advantage

Real Madrid have won 34 of the 48 competitive meetings between the two clubs. Rayo Vallecano have recorded seven victories, while the remaining seven matches ended in draws.

Rayo can be a difficult opponent at home, but they have regularly struggled at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Real Madrid have often produced high-scoring victories. Across the clubs’ 10 most recent meetings, Real have won five times, drawn four and lost once.

Real Madrid sit third after winning three of their opening four league matches. Their only defeat came in a surprise 1-0 loss away to Real Betis, but Jose Mourinho’s side remain in the leading positions.

They also began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan.

Rayo Vallecano are 14th and have had a less convincing start. They suffered two defeats and drew once before claiming their first win of the season last Saturday, beating Racing Santander 3-2.

Real Madrid favourites

The home side are strong favourites, with Kylian Mbappe in good form and Rayo’s defence having frequently been vulnerable at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid are expected to control the match and impose their tempo.

Victory is viewed as essential for Jose Mourinho’s team if they are to remain in touch with FC Barcelona at the top of the table.

Africafoot’s prediction is a 4-0 win for Real Madrid.

Betting company 1xbet lists Real Madrid at 1.10 to win, with the draw priced at 8.80 and a Rayo Vallecano victory at 17.00.