Madrid return to El Sardinero without Vinícius
Real Madrid must build on their Clásico win to stay close to the league lead, while Racing have earned all their league points at home. Vinícius Júnior remains suspended, and Racing will miss Jorge Salinas through suspension.
Fifteen years have passed since Real Madrid last played at El Sardinero; this time, they arrive without Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian serves the third match of a four-game domestic suspension, while Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio remain out through injury.
Real Madrid should win comfortably, with three goals or more and both sides scoring.
The 2-1 Clásico win at Barcelona has left José Mourinho’s side three points off the lead. Thibaut Courtois is a doubt after illness, while Federico Valverde and Ferland Mendy face fitness checks.
Racing’s 2-1 comeback against Espanyol showed why their home record matters. José Alberto López said his side felt “very strong at home”, and Yassir Zabiri, who scored the 84th-minute winner, has eight goals in ten league appearances.
Racing have scored fifteen goals and conceded twenty-six in ten league matches; Madrid have scored twenty-five and conceded ten. Madrid have won five of the last six competitive meetings, most recently 4-0 in February 2012, while their last visit to El Sardinero ended 0-0 in September 2011.
