LIVE! Tough nut to crack in Vallecas: Will Real remain on the road to success?

LIVE! Tough nut to crack in Vallecas: Will Real remain on the road to success?
LIVE! Tough nut to crack in Vallecas: Will Real remain on the road to success?

Despite a strong comeback, Real Madrid failed to draw 3-3 in the derby against Rayo Vallecano. This meant missing out on the top of the La Liga table.

After the narrow 3-2 win against Atalanta Bergamo in the Champions League during the week, Real Madrid faced the derby against their “small” neighbors Rayo Vallecano this Saturday. A place that hasn’t always suited the Royals in the past, as they had only been able to win one of the previous four La Liga duels.

For this time’s comparison with Real, Rayo coach Inigo Perez made two changes after the 1-0 win in Valencia: Unai Lopez and Embarba started for Oscar and Alvaro (both on the bench). On the other hand, Carlo Ancellotti made three changes: Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Junior were initially on the bench, Mbappé was missing from the squad due to injury. Modric, Rodrygo and Arda Güler played for them.

Rayo takes the lead early

From the start, however, it wasn’t the guests but the home team who made the difference. Less than four minutes had been played when de Frutos made Fran Garcia look completely old on the right wing and crossed into the center. Unai Lopez stood there blankly and nodded in for the surprising lead (4th).

Afterwards, the home team remained the better team and repeatedly put Real under pressure with intensive pressing and quick, short passing. It was only after around 34 minutes that the Royals became dangerous for the first time, but Bellingham put his attempt just wide of the goal as he fell (34′). And just as Real were getting better, the outsiders struck again: Moomin was right after a corner from Isi and powerfully headed in to make it 2-0 (36′).

Quick comeback: Fede Valverde and Bellingham bring Real back

However, the joy over the supposedly secure lead didn’t last long, as Real were back in the game just three minutes later. The Rayo defense gave Fede Valverde too much space – and he scored beautifully from distance to make it 1-2 (39′). The comeback was perfect before the break, this time Rodrygo was given too much space. The Brazilian took advantage of this with a strong cross to Bellingham, who made it 2-2 with a header (45th).

After the break, both teams started a little calmer, the only excitement was a clear offside goal by Arda Güler, which was rightly disallowed (52nd). Four minutes later, Real were able to celebrate again – and this time the goal counted: Rodrygo’s attempt from 18 meters was unfortunately deflected by Ratiu and hit perfectly under the crossbar (56th).

Isi brings Rayo back

The game was over, but it was far from over because Rayo hadn’t had enough either. Isi took a half-court cross from Lejeune and deflected the ball past the bewildered Courtois into the net (64′). Immediately after the goal, the underdog was back on top, only shortly after the equalizer Pedro Diaz narrowly missed taking the lead again (67′).

On the other side, Vincius Junior became dangerous again in the 84th minute, but Batalla parried his powerful shot well (84th). And the Royals had another chance in the seven-minute (!) stoppage time, although several players narrowly missed Vinicius Junior’s header (90’+4). Shortly before the final whistle, Real keeper Courtois was called upon again when Lejeune tried a direct free kick. However, the Belgian was on his guard and kept the score 3-3 on a turbulent evening on the 17th matchday. Due to the draw, Real missed out on making it to the top of the table overnight.

Rayo is back in action next Wednesday (9:30 p.m.), when Inigo Perez’s team will face Villarreal in the catch-up game. The Whites face the Intercontinental Cup final against CF Pachuca from Mexico a few hours earlier (6 p.m.).

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