Real Madrid have gone from top of the table to third in La Liga in the space of a week, and will need to get back to winning ways today.
Damaging defeats against Barcelona and Sevilla have left the league out of their hands, but manager and players alike have been making the right noises since the loss at the Sanchez Pizjuan, saying they will fight for every available point from now until the end of the campaign.
Bookies have no doubts over who will pick up the three points today – Madrid are placed at 1/16 to win, while Rayo, who have conceded the most goals in the league – 63 – are priced at 33/1 to pick up a win at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite being one of the form side of La Liga, with four wins and a draw in their last five, helping them pull away from the relegation zone, even a draw is unlikely for the team from the south of Madrid (10/1).
With the visitors having a shaky defence, and Madrid being like a wounded lion, those wanting to put some money on the game may be tempted to back the home side to score a few.
Los Blancos are priced at 17/20 to socred over 3.5 goals. With the visitors having conceded four or more on eight occasions this season already, that could be a decent bet.
