Rayo Vallecano 3-3 Real Madrid: A Six-Goal Thriller Leaves the Royal Club Frustrated

Real Madrid faced defensive errors that cost them dearly in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Match Details

Real Madrid’s Defensive Struggles

Real Madrid entered the match as they prepared to travel to Qatar to face Mexican side Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday. However, defensive errors proved costly at the Estadio de Vallecas.

Rayo’s Early Surprise

Rayo Vallecano took an early lead with a header from Unai López in the fourth minute. Abdul Mumin added a second with another header from an Isi Palazon corner in the 36th minute.

Madrid’s Comeback Before Half-Time

Federico Valverde reduced the deficit with a rocket shot from long range just three minutes after Rayo’s second goal. In the 44th minute, Jude Bellingham equalized with a direct shot, bringing Real Madrid back into the match before half-time.

Madrid Takes the Lead, but Rayo Equalizes

In the second half, Rodrygo put Real Madrid ahead for the first time with a shot from outside the box that deflected off the defense and went in at the 56th minute. But Rayo came back strongly, with Isi Palazon scoring the equalizer in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up between Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Statistics and Insights

Rayo Continues Their Jinx on Real Madrid

Real Madrid was close to completing a remarkable comeback, with Arda Güler playing a significant role by assisting Valverde and Rodrygo’s goals. Güler, at 19 years and 293 days, became the youngest Real Madrid player to provide two assists in a single league match this century. However, defensive mistakes cost the team valuable points, making it the third consecutive time Real Madrid has failed to win at the Estadio de Vallecas (two draws and a loss).

Team Standings

With this draw, Real Madrid raised their tally to 27 points, sitting in second place, level with Barcelona, who have the chance to extend their lead to four points if they win against Leganes.

What’s Next?

Real Madrid will need to address their defensive errors before traveling to Qatar to face Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final.

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