The team led by Carlo Ancelotti had to make do with a point because they were without their star player.

Jude Bellingham was missed by Real Madrid for the first time. Los Blancos have won all of the games he has missed because they have previously managed without him. However, the Englishman’s offensive drive was crucial this time. Without it, Carlo Ancelotti’s team struggled to muster a 1-1 draw against a valiant Rayo Vallecano team, looking short on ideas.
Joselu finished a skillfully crafted counter after Federico Valverde’s inch-perfect pass gave Los Blancos the early lead. A handball inside the area by Eduardo Camavinga gave Rayo a lifeline. The subsequent penalty was hammered into the goal by Raul de Tomas. Just before halftime, Valverde’s shot off the post gave Madrid a near-second goal.

However, Los Blancos didn’t provide much more, and Rayo appeared more likely to score in the second half. Early in the second half, Aurelien Tchouameni stopped a certain Rayo goal by pursuing Alvaro Garcia and blocking his attempt with a deft lunge. Some forward energy was added by late Madrid alterations. In a sophisticated cameo, Toni Kroos forced a nice save on a free kick.

However, it was insufficient, and Ancelotti’s team had to make do with a frustrating point.

The Vallecas-born players of Real Madrid are rated by GOAL…

Andriy Lunin (5/10):

was unable to influence Rayo’s penalty, which was his only meaningful play of the day.

Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

gave some offensive ideas down the wing in the early going, but Rayo’s tenacious press rather forced him back.

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

At centre back, another strong performance. He flies too frequently into tackles. made up for the error he made by making an important tackle in the second half.

Nacho (6/10):

dependable and well-organized. didn’t make much of an impression, which isn’t inherently negative.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

tried a little too hard at times when playing his old team. raced down the left with regularity, but his problems were summed up by a poor decision that saw his shot fly into the street behind the net.

Midfield

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Provided a lovely assist for Joselu. Full of legs in central areas. It would be nice to see him get forward more – he makes things happen.

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Gave away the Rayo penalty, even if he was slightly unlucky. Closed down spaces well, and was tidy in possession. Unlucky to be subbed.

Luka Modric (5/10):

Classy on the ball, but he doesn’t have the legs to press as effectively anymore, and it showed.

Brahim Diaz (4/10):

Barely involved – less than a week removed from his most important showing in a Madrid shirt to date.

Attack

Joselu (7/10):

had two goals in the net in less than twenty minutes, even if only one of them was valid. made all the required runs and entered favourable zones. All in all, needed better service.

Vinicius Jr (6/10):

Apart from a few risky runs, it’s as amusing as ever but not very effective. He and Joselu don’t seem to be on the nicest of terms.A fantastic cameo that introduced some provocative concepts. ought to have appeared sooner.

Subs & Manager

Toni Kroos (7/10):

A fantastic cameo that introduced some provocative concepts. ought to have appeared sooner.

Rodrygo (5/10):

Lively without being particularly effective.

Dani Carvajal (2/10):

Sent off for two silly yellows.

Arda Guler (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):

rotated a great deal, with an apparent easy contest up ahead. However, Rayo made things difficult for Madrid, and Ancelotti’s team was only worthy of a point. It’s likely that he could have introduced Guler or Kroos sooner. If not, he just didn’t have his best player.