Overview
- Real Madrid stay top on 31 points from 12 matches, with Barcelona able to cut the gap to three later against Celta Vigo.
- Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla produced key saves as Kylian Mbappé was limited to one shot and Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham were denied.
- It is Madrid’s second straight game without a goal following the midweek defeat at Liverpool and their fourth consecutive league visit to Vallecas without a win.
- Xabi Alonso started Raúl Asencio and Brahim Díaz, used Federico Valverde at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and introduced Éder Militão at half-time after Dean Huijsen’s booking.
- Valverde left late with an adductor issue and Courtois felt thigh discomfort, with medical checks planned on Monday as Alonso urged a measured, self-critical response.