While his team’s star player was unable to have an influence on the match, the Spanish striker squandered a few excellent opportunities.

The reason for Real Madrid’s difficulties against Rayo Vallecano was not only Joselu’s fault. However, after considering his choices, Carlo Ancelotti assigns the difficult duty of being the impact man to the 33-year-old striker. And on Sunday, he was wasteful in front of goal, encapsulating the difficulties his team faced as they had to settle for a frustrating 0-0 stalemate.

However, he wasn’t the only guilty party. Federico Valverde broke through on goal and should have scored within five minutes, but Stole Dimitrievski read his shot to stop it from wobbling too soon. Before the half, Vinicius Jr. skillfully put up a close-range shot for Joselu, who also came near. After that, Bellingham threw a bar to end Los Blancos’ ultimately disappointing first half.

After the break, they kept up the pressure. Joselu attempted a diving header but failed again. After Joselu was flagged offside during the build-up, Vinicius’ goal was disallowed even though he had the ball in the net. In the end, Madrid failed to score from their 22 attempts, falling two points behind Girona in the race for the championship.

GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from the Santiago Bernabeu…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):

Had nothing to do. Nice to keep a clean sheet, but the focus is at the other end of the pitch.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Scampered down the right with regularity, but never got into advanced areas enough to impact the game.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Moved the ball well, kept Rayo’s forwards quiet. Survived the late push from Radamel Falcao and Bebe. A silly late booking has him suspended for Madrid’s next game.

David Alaba (6/10):

Much improved after a poor showing against Barcelona. Could have been better from dead ball situations, though.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Handed a start despite a shaky few weeks. Got forward and linked up with Vinicius. Much more effective when he doesn’t have much defending to do.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Started as a deeper lying midfielder with Aurelien Tchouameni injured. Fulfilled his defensive duties well and kept things moving in the middle.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Squandered a massive chance in the first half, which was decisive in the end. Was impactful otherwise, causing problems with his pace and industry down the right side.

Luka Modric (6/10):

Impressive when he got on the ball, which really didn’t happen enough. Looked tired after an hour. His lack of starts has him looking out of sorts.

Jude Bellingham (6/10):

Survived an injury scare after landing awkwardly on his shoulder. A wonderful piece of skill and shot almost broke the deadlock in the first half. Struggled to get involved thereafter.

Attack

Joselu (5/10):

Nodded narrowly wide in the first half. Missed again in the second and mistimed a run to see a goal ruled out. Not good enough as a backup.

Vinicius Jr (6/10):

Excellent when matched up one-on-one, but his final ball was lacking. Too often asked to take on the whole defence himself. Had a goal correctly ruled out in the second half. A frustrating one for him.

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Subs & Manager

Rodrygo (5/10):

Introduced with 20 minutes remaining. Ran a lot, but also lost the ball a lot.

Toni Kroos (5/10):

Tried to spray it around after being brought on, but some of his passing was uncharacteristically wayward.

Nacho (N/A):

Late defensive legs. Little time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):

Benched Rodrygo in favour of Joselu and handed Garcia a start against his former team. The big Spaniard was ineffective and Los Blancos never really got going. A frustrating one for the Italian.