Courtois, Rudiger miss Real Madrid clash against Rayo

Real Madrid’s Belgian goalkeeper #01 Thibaut Courtois warms up before the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on September 29, 2024. —AFP

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti left goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger out of his squad to face Rayo Vallecano at home on Sunday.

Spanish media reported Rudiger was ill and Courtois has discomfort in his knee, but both are expected to return for the Champions League last-16 second leg clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Champions Madrid are third, three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and two behind Atletico, who face Getafe earlier on Sunday.

Barcelona´s match against Osasuna on Saturday was postponed after the death of one of the Catalan club´s doctors.