Overview
- Rayo Vallecano became the first side this league season to keep Real Madrid scoreless, with goalkeeper Augusto Batalla making key saves to deny Vinícius Júnior and others.
- Xabi Alonso’s selection featured Raúl Asencio and Brahim Díaz in the XI, Federico Valverde started at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench and later on as a substitute, and Eder Militao entered at half-time.
- Kylian Mbappé was limited to a single attempt as Rayo’s organized shape and pressing blunted Madrid’s attack just days after the Anfield defeat.
- The draw keeps Madrid top but trims their cushion to five over Villarreal and offers Barcelona a chance to close within three with their later kickoff at Celta Vigo.
- Barcelona named Robert Lewandowski in their starting lineup for the trip to Vigo, with injuries sidelining Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen, Raphinha and Pedri, while Celta arrived in strong recent form.