Can Real Madrid Keep Pace in La Liga?

Published on December 19th, 2015 4:51 pm EST
There are a number of interesting Spanish La Liga Primera games taking place on Sunday afternoon, including a battle between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.

As of this moment, Real Madrid currently sits 5 points back of both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga. In addition to not wanting to fall any further back in the race, Real Madrid needs to be mindful of the teams behind them, as both Celta Vigo and Villarreal are just a few points back. In order to avoid an absolute disaster, Real Madrid needs to win games against teams such as Rayo Vallecano.

Real Madrid has been solid at home so far this year, winning a total of 2.29 points per game. Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, has been terrible away from home, managing to earn a meager 0.57 points per game.

Real Madrid has won 5 of their last 8 games, while Rayo Vallecano has managed just two wins in their last eight. Real Madrid, however, is coming off of a lackluster showing against Villarreal last weekend when they dropped a 1-0 decision on the road. Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, has lost their last three games in a row and is winless in their last four.

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Let's take a look at the odds for Sunday's match:

Real Madrid, 1.10
Draw, 10.00
Rayo Vallecano, 21.00

As you can see, Cristiano Ronaldo and company are the clear favourites to win on Sunday. Real Madrid has been extremely busy as of late, thanks to Champions League and cup games, though the bookmakers don't feel as though there is much chance of a letdown on Sunday, especially given Real Madrid's precarious position in the league table. Real Madrid can not afford anything less than a victory on Sunday.

According to the bookmakers, four Real Madrid players, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Jese Rodriguez, have better than even money odds of scoring on Sunday. Despite their struggles at various points of this season, Real Madrid still possesses one of the most ferocious offensive attacks in all of football.

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