without Mbappé, Real Madrid concede a draw at Rayo Vallecano

Before the meeting between FC Barcelona and Leganés on Sunday, Real Madrid could temporarily regain the leading position in the Spanish Championship. Without Kylian Mbappé and Ferland Mendy, Carlo Ancelotti had to get rid of Rayo Vallecano and opted for a 4-4-2 with Güler and Rodrygo up front, but without Vinícius Júnior and Endrick. But in front of their home crowd, the neighboring team Real Madrid clearly did not give up and delivered a very high level match.

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From the first moments, Real Madrid was overwhelmed and conceded the opener after a beautiful header from Unai Lopez (1-0, 4th). In difficulty subsequently, the Merengues failed to exist at the start of the first half against another Madrid team who demonstrated technical precision and intensity of a very high level. It paid off since Abdul Mumin was able to make the break, again with a header (2-0, 36th). Real Madrid were completely sinking against the 13th in La Liga.

Real Madrid stay behind Barça

But to sound the revolt, Valverde released a very powerful shot at the edge of the area to reduce the score (2-1, 39th). And just five minutes later, Bellingham was there to head a cross and equalize before the break (2-2, 45th). In an unexpected way, the Merengues came back and managed to reverse the score after the break, with a superb strike from Rodrygo, deflected (3-2, 56th). Valverde’s goal stunned Rayo Vallecano, who could no longer achieve anything after their superb first 40 minutes.

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But this season, Real Madrid is crumbly and a superb cross from Lejeune could find Isi Palazon for the equalizer in this crazy match (3-3, 64th). The Franjirrojos came from a long way away and snatched a draw, after a final scare from Vinicius Jr, well deflected by the Rayo goalkeeper (84th). Without success, Real Madrid missed the opportunity to take first place from Barça and remained one point behind the eternal rival before playing against Sevilla FC. For its part, Rayo Vallecano, which even almost won before a great save from Courtois (90th +7) remains in 13th place before going to Villarreal.