Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: Real Madrid on Sunday played out a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallencano at the Santiago Bernabeu in a La Liga encounter. The barren draw would be disappointing for Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti and co. who were sailing high after the win over arch-rivals Barcelona in El Clasico.
Bellingham started behind a front two of Joselu and Vinicius Junior, and was supported by a three-man midfield containing the talents and experience of Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and captain Luka Modric.
Rayo sit ninth on 18 points and are currently on a eight-game unbeaten streak after losing two of their first four matches. However, only two of these have been victories, with Los Franjirrojos drawing six of their last seven. Bebe’s injury-time equaliser secured a point at home to Real Sociedad last time out for Rayo.
The Los Blancos had gone close with several attempts on Dimitrievski’s goal in that first half. A nervy opening saw both sides gift opportunities to Valverde and Alvaro Garcia, but neither could capitalise. From there, Madrid upped the ante, with Fran Garcia and Bellingham both firing over the bar either side of a superb Dimitrievski save from Joselu’s close-range shot. Rayo’s defence had held up well, but needed to produce more in the final third themselves.
Real Madrid added extra pressure in the second half with Vinicius Jr, Camavinga and others going deep into the Vallencano box. But the away defence held strong, and Dimitrievski was solid as a rock. The Los Blancos blew their chance to go on top of La Liga with a win, now trailing leaders Girona by two points with Barcelona closing on heels.
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano XI
Real Madrid XI – Kepa Arrizabalaga; Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Fran Garcia; Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric; Jude Bellingham; Joselu, Vinicius Junior.
Rayo Vallecano XI – Stole Dimitrievski; Andrei Ratiu, Abdul Mumin, Florian Lejeune, Alfonso Espino; Oscar Valentin; Isi Palazon, Pathe Ciss, Unai Lopez, Alvaro Garcia; Raul de Tomas.
