Overview
- Real Madrid drew 0-0 at Rayo Vallecano, their second setback this week after the midweek loss at Liverpool.
- Madrid stay top of LaLiga, five points clear of Villarreal, with Barcelona able to move within three by beating Celta Vigo later Sunday.
- Xabi Alonso rotated his side as Raul Asencio and Brahim Díaz started, Aurélien Tchouaméni remained out, Eduardo Camavinga anchored midfield and Federico Valverde began at right-back before Trent Alexander-Arnold came on late.
- Rayo restricted Kylian Mbappé and limited clear chances, with Augusto Batalla denying Vinícius Júnior and Thibaut Courtois stopping Andrei Ratiu, extending Madrid’s winless run at Vallecas to a fourth straight league visit.
- Barcelona travel to in-form Celta Vigo without Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen, Raphinha and Pedri, as Hansi Flick urges caution over Lamine Yamal’s groin issue.