La Liga leaders Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, giving champions Barcelona a chance to narrow the six-point gap at the top.
According to Agence France-Presse reporting via NDTV Sports, La Liga leaders Real Madrid were left frustrated on Sunday after being held to a goalless 0-0 draw by local rivals Rayo Vallecano.
The dropped points, only the second time Xabi Alonso’s side has failed to win in the league this season, offer champions Barcelona a chance to close the gap at the top of the table.
Real Madrid now sits five points clear of second-placed Villarreal and six points ahead of the third-placed Catalans, who were scheduled to visit Celta Vigo later in the day.The derby clash at the Vallecas stadium saw mid-table Rayo battle strongly.
Although Real Madrid created the better opportunities, the hosts were defensively resolute, successfully limiting the influence of La Liga top scorer Kylian Mbappe and keeping playmaker Jude Bellingham at arm’s length.
The match followed Madrid’s Champions League defeat earlier in the week, and Xabi Alonso’s side was unable to bounce back with a victory.
Despite efforts from Vinicius Junior, who forced a fine instinctive save from Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, and a late deflection on a shot from substitute Arda Guler in stoppage time, the deadlock remained unbroken.
Madrid coach Alonso introduced Eder Militao at half-time and sent on Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final stages as the team pressed for a winner, but Rayo survived the late pressure to claim a hard-fought point.