Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas, missing the chance to extend their lead atop La Liga.
Real Madrid dropped points for only the second time in the league this season after being held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas.
Xabi Alonso’s side arrived looking to recover from their midweek Champions League defeat to Liverpool, but they again lacked cutting edge in front of goal.
The result trims Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga to three points, leaving Villarreal and Barcelona within striking distance.
Rayo Vallecano entered the match on a fine run of form, having won six of their last eight in all competitions.
That confidence showed early as Andrei Ratiu surged forward in the 21st minute, forcing Thibaut Courtois into his first real save.
Real Madrid responded almost immediately when Vinicius Junior’s close-range attempt was denied by a sharp stop from Augusto Batalla.
The hosts then suffered a setback when Pedro Díaz was forced off with a knee injury after 27 minutes, replaced by Alfonso Espino.
Despite the disruption, Rayo remained compact and organized, limiting Madrid’s creative players to half-chances throughout the first half.
Vinicius Junior curled wide just before half-time after dancing past two defenders, epitomizing Madrid’s frustrating evening.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Rayo threatened first through Jorge de Frutos, whose near-post effort found the side-netting.
At the other end, Arda Güler tested Batalla from range before Jude Bellingham forced another smart save with an angled drive.
Kylian Mbappé came closest in the 61st minute, sending a curling shot inches past the far post.
Despite several attacking changes, including the late introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rodrygo, Real Madrid failed to break through.
Both goalkeepers impressed on a night of few clear chances.
Batalla made five saves, including key interventions to deny Vinicius and Valverde, earning plaudits as Rayo’s standout performer.
Courtois, meanwhile, was alert to efforts from De Frutos and Ratiu as Madrid were caught on the counter several times.
In midfield, Arda Güler worked tirelessly while Bellingham lacked his usual sharpness. Vini Jnr offered brief flashes of creativity but couldn’t drag Madrid to a win.
Rayo’s backline, marshalled by Nobel Mendy and Pep Chavarría, stayed disciplined to secure their first clean sheet in three matches.
Statistically, Madrid dominated with 54 percent possession and 21 shots, but only five were on target.
Rayo managed 13 attempts and generated a better expected goals (xG) of 1.20 compared to Madrid’s 0.98.
Real Madrid return to action on November 23rd with an away clash against Elche, aiming to regain momentum in the title race, before travelling to Greece to play Olympiacos in the Champions League on November 26th.
Rayo Vallecano, now unbeaten in four home games, travel to Real Oviedo looking to climb into the top half of the table. Inigo Perez’s side will face Slovan Liberec on November 27th in the UEFA Conference League.
