Real Madrid mounted an impressive comeback from a two-goal deficit on Saturday but ultimately settled for a 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano, missing the chance to t
emporarily claim the top spot in La Liga.
The match started on the wrong foot for the visitors, as Unai López opened the scoring with a header in the 4th minute, followed by another header from Abdul Mumin in the 36th, putting Rayo firmly in control.
Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde gave Real Madrid hope with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 39th minute. Jude Bellingham then leveled the score at 2-2 with a header deep into first-half stoppage time.
In the second half, Rodrygo Goes fired Real ahead in the 56th minute with a precise shot from the edge of the area. However, the lead was short-lived as Isi Palazón equalized for Rayo in the 64th minute, ensuring both teams shared the points.
"There are draws and draws. The one against Mallorca, the one against Las Palmas — they are different from this one because this was the draw of a united team that fought, competed, and fell short only because of some mistakes. But, as I said, we are on the right track," said Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid remain in second place on 37 points, one point behind Barcelona, who will play host to Leganés on Sunday. The Merengues still have a game in hand against Valencia.
Rayo Vallecano sits in 13th place with 20 points following their draw against Real Madrid.
The La Liga defending champions now shift focus to an international challenge, as they head to Doha for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican club Pachuca on Wednesday.
Real Madrid's attacking options were limited due to the absence of French star Kylian Mbappé, who sustained a muscle injury during the midweek match against Atalanta. In his place, VinÃcius Júnior made his return, coming on as a substitute in the second half for his first appearance since recovering from an injury.
James RodrÃguez was notably absent from Rayo Vallecano's squad, marking his fourth consecutive league game without playing, with the previous three seeing him on the bench.
Rayo capitalized on yet another sluggish start from their opponents. Unai López headed in a cross from Jorge de Frutos in just the 4th minute, recording Rayo’s fastest-ever goal against Real Madrid at Vallecas.
Abdul Mumin doubled the lead late in the first half, striking the far post with precision after connecting with a corner kick from Isi Palazón, further complicating matters for the visitors.
However, Real Madrid eventually found their rhythm and began to claw their way back. Federico Valverde ignited the comeback with a powerful long-range strike that slipped past goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, finding the corner of the net in the 39th minute.
Jude Bellingham continued his remarkable scoring streak, netting his seventh goal of the season and scoring for the sixth consecutive game. The English midfielder showcased his poise and finishing touch by meeting a cross from Rodrygo Goes just before halftime, leveling the score at 2-2.