David Alaba, Luka Modric, and Jude Bellingham are all set to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI when they host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday.

Los Blancos will be hoping to draw level with Barcelona at the La Liga top, and Carlo Ancelotti has been given a boost by the return of Bellingham from suspension. Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Dani Ceballos are the only ones missing out, and Ceballos is the nearest to a likely return.

Given the Champions League Round of 16 second leg facing Atletico Madrid, Federico Valverde could catch a break over the weekend. Speaking to the team prior to the match, Ancelotti praised Valverde and commended his utility, stating that while he functions in a lot of positions, his long-term future lies centrally in midfield.

He’s fine and available,” Ancelotti said. “He didn’t have much time before the Atletico game, but he’s improving. He can play anywhere, although he doesn’t like playing at right-back. He prefers playing in central midfield or even on the wing. He’s already one of the best and will get even better.”.

Real Madrid boss also had something to say regarding the issue of team balance being more important than players’ performances. “At times Rodrygo is the outstanding one, at others Vini Jr., Bellingham, or Mbappé,” he went on.

“What does matter is that the team performs well in both attack and defense. There is no jealousy — they complement each other’s excellence.”

Ancelotti will most probably stick to a 4-4-2 formation. Thibaut Courtois will be the goalkeeper, and Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia will be the defense. Rodrygo and Bellingham will occupy the wide roles in midfield, and Modric and Aurelien Tchouameni will be the central midfield pairing. Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will be the strike pair.