, Jan. 31 -- Real Madrid will host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday under mounting pressure from fans following recent inconsistent results.

A 6-1 win over Monaco and a 2-0 victory at Villarreal initially lifted spirits after Xabi Alonso's departure and a Copa del Rey exit to second-division Albacete. However, a 4-2 defeat at Benfica on Wednesday, highlighted by a stoppage-time goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, reignited tensions over perceived lack of commitment. The loss also placed Madrid in the Champions League playoff round against Benfica, depriving the squad of two midweeks without matches.

Kylian Mbappe remains a bright spot, scoring 13 goals in the Champions League and 21 in La Liga - nearly half of Madrid'...