In an exhilarating La Liga clash, Real Madrid, the 36-time league champions, narrowly missed the opportunity to overtake Barcelona at the summit of the standings. The match against local rivals Rayo Vallecano ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, highlighting both the excitement and unpredictability of the season.
Rayo Vallecano surged ahead with a commanding 2-0 lead, showcasing their determination and tactical prowess. However, Real Madrid showcased their resilience as Federico Valverde responded with a powerful long-range shot, cutting the deficit. The momentum continued to swing as Jude Bellingham found the back of the net with his seventh goal in eight games, assisted by Rodrygo, leveling the score before halftime.
The second half saw Real Madrid take the lead once more when Rodrygo capitalized on a deflected effort from the edge of the area in the 56th minute. The anticipation of clinching the top spot was palpable among the home fans. Yet, Rayo Vallecano demonstrated their fighting spirit as Isi Palazon navigated through Real's defense to deflect a cross into the net, securing a hard-fought point for the hosts.
With this result, Carlo Ancelotti's squad now sits second on 37 points from 17 matches, trailing Barcelona by a single point. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano maintains their position in 13th place with 20 points, reflecting their solid performance this season.
This thrilling encounter underscores the competitive nature of La Liga this year, where every match holds significant implications for the title race. As Real Madrid continues their quest for the championship, staying sharp defensively will be crucial in securing their top position.
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Real Madrid misses chance to go top of La Liga after Rayo thriller
cgtn.com
