La Liga leaders Real Madrid were left frustrated in a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, giving defending champions Barcelona an opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table.
Xabi Alonso’s side moved five points clear of Villarreal in second place and six ahead of Barcelona, who face CRayo elta Vigo later on.
Rayo battled bravely in the Madrid derby, limiting the attacking influence of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid couldn’t convert their chances in a scrappy affair at the Vallecas Stadium.
Inigo Perez’s Rayo showed early intent, with Andrei Ratiu forcing Thibaut Courtois into a save. Madrid responded through Vinicius Junior, whose effort was kept out by goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.
Raul Asencio missed a good header for the hosts, while Mbappe La Liga’s top scorer was largely subdued and struggled to make an impact.
Alonso replaced Dean Huijsen with Eder Militao at half-time to tighten up the backline, but Rayo continued to threaten. Jorge de Frutos hit the side netting early in the second half, while Madrid’s Bellingham drew a smart save from Batalla moments later.
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Mbappe finally got his first shot on target around the hour mark, narrowly missing the far post. Federico Valverde’s long-range strike was beaten away, and Alvaro Garcia fired over for Rayo as both sides pushed for a winner.
Alonso introduced Trent Alexander-Arnold late on as the Englishman continues his return from injury. Madrid midfielder Arda Guler almost snatched victory in stoppage time, but his deflected shot went behind for a corner.
The draw marked only the second time Real Madrid have dropped points in La Liga this season, while Rayo earned a valuable result to stay comfortably mid-table.
