La Liga — Mbappé, Real Madrid held in check by Rayo Vallecano in a goalless draw

La Liga leaders Real Madrid were left frustrated in a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, giving champions Barcelona the chance to move closer.

Xabi Alonso’s side are five points ahead of second-place Villarreal and six points clear of the third-placed Catalans, who later visit Celta Vigo.

Rayo fought strongly in the derby clash, and although Madrid had the better chances, the host side also had chances to win a messy match.

It managed to limit the influence of La Liga top scorer Kylian Mbappe, while also keeping Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham safely at bay.

Madrid hoped to recover from the Champions League defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday, but Alonso’s team dropped points for only the second time this season.

Inigo Perez’s Rayo came out excited and threatened first as Andrei Ratiu shot straight at Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid then began to take control, but the mid-table hosts held on at the Vallecas Stadium.

Raul Asencio headed wide when well placed, and Augusto Batalla made a fine instinctive save to push away Vinicius’ effort.

Rayo denied Madrid superstar Mbappé the ball, with the Frenchman unable to threaten in his usual style.

Madrid coach Alonso sent Eder Militao on at half-time for the booked Dean Huijsen, wary of the threat from Isi Palazon and Jorge de Frutos.

De Frutos came close early in the second half when he came through the near post between two defenders and reached Pacha Espino’s cross and hit the side netting.

Bellingham forced Batalla into a good save at his near post after a lovely touch to bring the ball down as he looked to continue his recent strong goalscoring form.

Mbappe had his first try on the hour mark when Rayo released him for the first time and fired a shot wide of the far post.

Batalla beat Fede Valverde’s drive from distance, while Alvaro Garcia fired at the other end as Rayo looked to take victory.

Alonso came on for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the closing stages as the England international continued to get fitter following his injury.

Madrid midfielder Arda Guler came close to breaking the deadlock in stoppage time when his effort was deflected behind, but Rayo survived to claim a point.

Published on November 9, 2025