Spain: Real Madrid held by Vallecano

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Rayo Vallecano 1 - 1 Real Madrid

Real Madrid dropped points against local rivals Rayo Vallecano to slow down their title push. 

The match kicked off with Real Madrid looking sharp, taking an early lead as Joselu expertly converted Fede Valverde's pass.

However, Rayo Vallecano clawed their way back into the game, equalising through Raul de Tomas' penalty after VAR spotted Eduardo Camavinga's handball.

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Vallecano hold Madrid

Real struggled to create many opportunities thereafter, ultimately settling for a solitary point.

This draw allowed the 35-time La Liga champions to widen their lead over second-placed Girona to six points.

Following this result, Athletic Bilbao brought high-flying Girona back down to earth with a 3-2 victory on Monday. This has further boosted Real Madrid's chances. 

Real Madrid now sit eight points clear of their long-standing rivals Barcelona, who clinched a late victory against Celta Vigo over the same weekend.

Real Madrid faced Vallecano without Jude Bellingham.

Despite an assertive start by the visitors, they failed to increase their lead and paid the price when Rayo levelled the score midway through the first half, altering the atmosphere at the bustling Estadio de Vallecas.

Rayo, managed by the 36-year-old Inigo Perez for the first time, displayed admirable organisation and discipline, restricting Real Madrid's chances.

Substitute German midfielder Toni Kroos came close to snatching a win with a well-taken free-kick, but Rayo's keeper Stole Dimitrievski made a crucial save.

In the dying moments of injury time, Dani Carvajal saw his shot saved before receiving a second yellow card for a post-play altercation, leading to his dismissal.

Unbeaten run continues for Real Madrid

Real Madrid has set a new record unbeaten run in LALIGA under Carlo Ancelotti by reaching 19 consecutive games without defeat. This streak dates back to their 3-1 loss to Atlético Madrid at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano in September. 

The last time Real Madrid went so long without a defeat was in 2021, when the team recorded 23 consecutive games without loss in the league, 16 under Zinedine Zidane and seven under Carlo Ancelotti. What makes this current streak even more impressive is that Real Madrid have scored in 18 of the 19 games, with the only exception being the 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu in November.

Highlights 

Footage from the official Real Madrid YouTube account. Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Real Madrid | HIGHLIGHTS | LaLiga 2023/24 - YouTube

@user-pk5td9xi7p posted this comment on the video:  "Hala Madrid at all times, it was a somewhat difficult match, but we are with you. Let's wait for the team to shine in the goals against Sevilla. "

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