Overview
- Real Madrid were held 0-0 at Vallecas, staying top of LaLiga and five points ahead of Villarreal, with Barcelona able to cut the deficit to three later against Celta Vigo.
- Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla excelled as the hosts became the first team to keep a LaLiga clean sheet against Madrid this season, limiting the leaders to few clear chances.
- Kylian Mbappé was restricted to one shot while Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior were denied, leaving Madrid scoreless for a second straight match after losing 1-0 to Liverpool.
- Xabi Alonso’s lineup featured Raul Asencio and Brahim Díaz from the start, Federico Valverde at right-back, and a late appearance for Trent Alexander-Arnold after Eder Militao replaced the booked Dean Huijsen at half-time.
- Vallecas remains a difficult trip for Madrid, who have now failed to win there in four straight league visits, as Barcelona head to Vigo managing key absences and Lamine Yamal’s groin issue.