Real Madrid player ratings vs Rayo Vallecano: Mbappe and company struggle in goalless draw
Real Madrid endured a frustrating afternoon against Rayo Vallecano, struggling to create real attacking danger and settling for a 0-0 stalemate in La Liga. Despite fielding a powerful front line featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos failed to rebound from their recent loss to Liverpool.
First-half moments
Madrid started slowly but had a few flashes of potential. Arda Guler looked sharper after a quiet display at Anfield and forced an early save from the Rayo goalkeeper. Raul Asencio missed a promising diving header, while Rayo found openings on the counterattack.
Courtois stands tall
Rayo Vallecano managed to threaten on transitions, forcing Thibaut Courtois into two key saves before the break. The Madrid defense looked unsettled at times as the hosts tested them with quick breaks.
Missed chances in the second half
After halftime, opportunities continued to come but without results. Mbappe went close around the hour mark but pulled his effort wide. Soon after, Bellingham’s close-range attempt was blocked by a last-ditch tackle. From there, Rayo appeared the more likely to find a breakthrough.
“Los Blancos failed to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Liverpool.”
Final verdict
Madrid’s attack lacked cohesion, with Mbappe losing positional discipline and Bellingham trying to shoulder too much responsibility. The draw leaves manager Xabi Alonso searching for solutions ahead of the next fixture.
Author’s Summary: Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid struggled to create danger as Rayo Vallecano held firm, resulting in a goalless draw that exposed Los Blancos’ ongoing attacking issues.