Real Madrid’s confirmed starting line-up vs Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga today

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric has returned to the Real Madrid team for the leaders’ LaLiga visit to Rayo Vallecano today.

Modric, who has been limited to a bit-part role for Madrid this season, has started just one of Los Blancos’ last six games - a victory over Getafe in which a number of regulars were rested.

Across Madrid’s last three matches - against Atlético Madrid, Girona and RB Leipzig - the 38-year-old has featured for a mere 36 minutes.

“Tough” situation for Modric, Ancelotti admits

“For someone who is so used to playing in pretty much every game, it’s tough,” head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters when asked about Modric on Saturday. “He finds it hard to sit on the bench. I respect that, and I understand it perfectly.”

Tchouaméni to deputise in defence again

Modric’s return to the team, in place of the rested Toni Kroos, is the headline change to a Madrid side that will once more be forced to line up with a makeshift central defence.

As Antonio Rüdiger continues his recovery from a thigh injury, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni will again partner Nacho Fernández at the heart of the backline.

“We signed [Tchouaméni] to be a holding midfielder, but he’s shown that he can do an excellent job as a centre-back,” Ancelotti told his pre-match conference. “He’s adapting quickly. That shows that he’s a very, very intelligent player.”

In five games with the Frenchman in defence this season, Madrid are yet to concede a goal and have won every time.

Brahim to fill in for Bellingham once more

With Jude Bellingham not expected to return from an ankle issue until the start of March, Brahim Díaz keeps his place in attack.

Madrid’s match winner against Leipzig, the 24-year-old had been a doubt for today’s game after picking up an injury in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory in Germany. However, he has been able to train over the past three days and is fit to play at Vallecas. Brahim is joined in the visitors’ forward line by Vinícius Júnior and Joselu Mato, who starts ahead of Rodrygo Goes.

At left-back, Ferland Mendy has started Madrid’s last nine games, but is suspended this weekend. In Mendy’s absence, Fran García gets the nod against his former club.

On the opposite flank, Ancelotti has opted to rest first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal, with Lucas Vázquez coming in for the 32-year-old.

Real Madrid’s confirmed line-up vs Rayo Vallecano:

Andriy Lunin, Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Nacho Fernández, Fran García, Luka Modric, Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Díaz, Joselu Mato and Vinícius Júnior.

Rayo vs Real Madrid: when, where, how to watch?

Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid’s LaLiga matchday-25 clash kicks off today, Sunday 18 February 2018, at 8am ET/5am PT.

TV viewers in the United States will be able to watch the game live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.

You’ll also have the option of following live-text commentary of Rayo vs Madrid, right here at AS USA. Joe Brennan will be building up from about an hour ahead of kick-off in the Spanish capital, before talking you through the action.