In a thrilling Madrid derby, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano played to a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Estadio de Vallecas. Despite goals from Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes, the visitors continued to showcase defensive weaknesses, losing crucial points in their quest for the LaLiga EA Sports title.

A Blistering Start by Rayo

Rayo Vallecano, buoyed by an electrifying home crowd, came out strong from the opening whistle. Within just four minutes, Unai López headed home a precise cross from Jorge de Frutos, giving the hosts an early lead.

The second blow came in the 20th minute, as Abdul Mumin outjumped the Madrid defense to score another header, this time off a corner delivered by Isi Palazón, putting Rayo 2-0 up.

Despite the deficit, Real Madrid fought back with determination. Fede Valverde fired a thunderous long-range strike in the 27th minute to cut the deficit. Then, just before halftime, Jude Bellingham leveled the score with a well-timed finish, converting Rodrygo’s pinpoint cross to make it 2-2 heading into the break.

Second Half: A Trade of Blows

The second half saw Real Madrid momentarily seize control. In the 56th minute, Rodrygo Goes unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, with a slight deflection off Andrei Ratiu, giving Los Blancos their first lead of the match at 3-2.

However, Rayo responded almost immediately. Just one minute later, Isi Palazón found space in the box to meet a long cross from Florian Lejeune, nodding the ball past the Madrid defense to equalize at 3-3, reigniting the home crowd.

Real Madrid pressed for a winner, introducing Vinícius Júnior, who brought instant energy to their attack. In the 83rd minute, Vinícius nearly restored Madrid’s lead with a powerful low shot, but Augusto Batalla, Rayo’s Argentine goalkeeper, pulled off a spectacular save to deny him.

Rayo’s defense held firm in the closing minutes, neutralizing Madrid’s offensive threats and ensuring they earned a valuable point.