Real Madrid Hosts Rayo Vallecano Amid Form Challenges in La Liga Matchday 22

On February 1, 2026, Real Madrid will face Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in a crucial La Liga matchday 22 encounter. Real Madrid, currently second in the La Liga standings with 51 points from 16 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, is grappling with a crisis in performance after a recent 4-2 defeat to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. This loss not only disrupted their European campaign but also means they will face Benfica again in a playoff to advance past the group stage. Key player Kylian Mbappé continues to provide offensive firepower, and the team might benefit from the return of players like Rüdiger and Trent Alexander Arnold for the match.

Rayo Vallecano arrives at the Bernabéu in a relegation battle, positioned 16th in La Liga with 22 points from 5 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses. The team suffered a recent 1-3 defeat against CA Osasuna, intensifying their need for points to secure league safety. Despite current struggles, the club has notable positives such as Álvaro García, their all-time top scorer in La Liga. García, who has been with Rayo since 2018 and has reached 300 appearances, credits coaches and their attacking style for his success. While Rayo Vallecano qualified for the Conference League, the demands of European football have made league consistency challenging.

The match kicks off at 14:00 and will be broadcast on DAZN LaLiga and LaLiga TV Bar. Other notable La Liga fixtures include Real Betis vs Valencia and Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad on the same day.

As Real Madrid seeks to rebound from recent setbacks and close the gap with FC Barcelona at the top, this fixture offers a critical opportunity to regain momentum. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano aims to bounce back from a troubling run to avoid the drop. The contrasting stakes promise a spirited contest at the Bernabéu.