The clash for matchday 12, held at the Estadio de Vallecas, concluded with both Rayo and the Merengues failing to find the back of the net.
The standout player was Federico Valverde, who had a significant impact on the game, successfully intercepting six balls and clearing two from the danger area for Real Madrid.
Pep Chavarría also left his mark for Rayo Vallecano, recovering eight balls and making two crucial clearances from the defensive zone.
Rayo’s coach, Iñigo Perez, set up his side in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Augusto Batalla in goal; Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Nobel Mendy, and Pep Chavarría in defense; with Pathé Ciss, Unai López, Isaac Palazón, Pedro Díaz, and Álvaro García in midfield; and Jorge de Frutos leading the attack.
On the other hand, coach Xabier Alonso Olano of Real Madrid opted for the same 4-5-1 formation, with Thibaut Courtois guarding the net; Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras in the defensive line; Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Júnior in midfield; and Kylian Mbappé at the forefront.
The referee appointed for the match was Juan Martínez Munuera.
Looking ahead, Rayo Vallecano will travel to face Real Oviedo, while Real Madrid will be on the road to play against Elche.
This result puts Rayo Vallecano at 15 points, placing them in 12th position in the league standings, whereas Real Madrid holds the top spot with 31 points.
Substitutions for Rayo Vallecano
26’ 1T – Pedro Díaz was replaced by Luis Alfonso Espino
70’ 2T – Isaac Palazón came off for Fran Pérez and Jorge de Frutos was substituted for Óscar Valentín
Yellow Cards for Rayo Vallecano:
14’ 1T Andrei Ratiu (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 32’ 1T Álvaro García (Unsportsmanlike conduct), and 47’ 1T Jorge de Frutos (Holding the opponent to prevent them from advancing)
Substitutions for Real Madrid
45’ 2T – Dean Huijsen was substituted for Éder Militão
71’ 2T – Brahim Díaz left the pitch for Dani Ceballos
78’ 2T – Eduardo Camavinga was replaced by Rodrygo
82’ 2T – Federico Valverde made way for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Unai López for Gerard Gumbau, and Álvaro García for Alexandre Alemão
Yellow Cards for Real Madrid:
35’ 1T Dean Huijsen (Unsportsmanlike conduct) and 43’ 1T Brahim Díaz (Unsportsmanlike conduct)