The season shows no sign of letting up for Real Madrid, who face another LaLiga fixture at the Bernabéu today. It is matchday 22 of the championship and they will be up against Rayo Vallecano (2pm; Orange TV and Dazn). Our team's objective is to secure their sixth consecutive victory in the competition and thus maintain their battle with Barcelona for the title.

Arbeloa's side also begin a demanding month of February this afternoon, in which they will play six matches: four in LaLiga and the Champions League round of 16 play-off against Benfica. Valencia, Real Sociedad and Osasuna, the first and third away from home, are Madrid's remaining opponents in this second month of the year.

“It’s essential for our LaLiga aspirations to beat Rayo,” said Arbeloa at the. Our team will also be looking to continue the defensive solidity shown in the last two LaLiga matches, in which they have kept clean sheets.

The opponents
Rayo started the day in 16th place, with 22 points: two places and one point above the relegation zone. Íñigo Pérez's side, therefore, come to the Bernabéu with the intention of taking all three points, as they have only managed to do so in one of their last eleven league games (five draws and five defeats). Their top scorer this season is Álvaro García, with 10 goals.