Real Madrid missed a chance to extend their lead at the top of LaLiga as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas on Sunday. The visitors took an early lead through Joselu, but Raul de Tomas equalized from the penalty spot after a VAR review. Real Madrid could not find a winner despite having a man advantage for the final 20 minutes, as Rayo Vallecano defended bravely to earn a valuable point.
Real Madrid came into the game with a six-point lead over second-placed Girona, who had a game in hand. They were looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 19 games, while Rayo Vallecano were fighting for survival, sitting in 18th place, four points from safety.
The game started with a bang, as Real Madrid scored with their first attack in the third minute. Karim Benzema played a through ball to Joselu, who beat the offside trap and slotted past Stole Dimitrievski. It was Joselu’s 15th goal of the season, making him the joint-top scorer in LaLiga along with Benzema.
Rayo Vallecano level from the spot
Rayo Vallecano did not let their heads drop after conceding, and they pressed Real Madrid high up the pitch, forcing them into mistakes. They had a chance to equalize in the 15th minute, when Oscar Trejo found Isi Palazon in the box, but his shot was blocked by David Alaba.
The hosts got their reward in the 27th minute, when they were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Eduardo Camavinga was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, as he tried to clear a cross from Santi Comesana. Raul de Tomas stepped up and sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way, scoring his 10th goal of the campaign.
Real Madrid tried to regain control of the game, but they found it hard to break down Rayo Vallecano’s compact defense. They had a couple of half-chances before the break, but Dimitrievski was alert to deny Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde.
Real Madrid fail to capitalize on numerical advantage
The second half was more of the same, as Real Madrid dominated possession, but lacked creativity and urgency in the final third. Rayo Vallecano were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure, while looking for opportunities to counter-attack.
The game changed in the 70th minute, when Rayo Vallecano were reduced to 10 men. Luis Advincula received his second yellow card for a late tackle on Vinicius Junior, leaving his team with a mountain to climb.
Real Madrid sensed an opportunity to snatch a late winner, and they increased their tempo and intensity. They brought on Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Rodrygo to add more firepower, but they still could not find a way through.
Rayo Vallecano defended with determination and discipline, throwing their bodies on the line to block shots and crosses. Dimitrievski was also in inspired form, making several saves to frustrate Real Madrid. He denied Benzema twice, Asensio once, and tipped over a header from Eder Militao.
The final whistle blew, and Rayo Vallecano celebrated as if they had won the game. They had earned a precious point in their fight for survival, while Real Madrid had dropped two points in their quest for the title. The result meant that Real Madrid’s lead at the top was cut to four points, with Girona having a chance to close the gap further when they play Athletic Club on Monday.
