Toni Kroos returns to the Real Madrid XI for this afternoon’s visit of Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.

The German was dropped to the substitutes’ bench for the 1-0 defeat at Villarreal last weekend, amid reports of a falling-out with Coach Rafa Benitez, but it’s business as usual today as he partners Luka Modric in the double pivot.

Rayo, on the other hand, have rung the changes, with seven in all sanctioned by Paco Jemez from their 3-1 defeat to Getafe in the Copa del Rey midweek.

Real Madrid: Navas; Danilo, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric; James, Bale, Ronaldo; Benzema

Subs: Casilla, Arbeloa, Nacho, Casemiro, Kovacic, Isco, Vazquez

Rayo Vallecano: Yoel; Nacho, Amaya, Ze, Tito; Trashorras, Baena; Lass, Jozabed, Hernandez; Guerra

Subs: Juan Carlos, Dorado, Embarba, Quini, Bebe, Manucho

Referee: Iglesias Villanueva

La Liga - Club News