Real Madrid attempted to stay atop La Liga, but Rayo Vallecano had other plans, with the draw keeping Madrid in second place. In a tense match, Carlo Ancelotti rested Vinícius Jr. and was without Kylian Mbappé.

"Vini" starts on bench in Vallecas

The Brazilian was left out of the starting lineup for technical reasons, only entering the match in the 63rd minute. His on-field impact was overshadowed by a heated exchange with the referee, earning him a yellow card.

Mbappé sidelined with injury

The French forward missed the match due to a left thigh injury, a setback for Madrid, though he could return for next Wednesday's Intercontinental Cup Final. Rodrygo Goes stepped into the attack alongside Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler.

Goals tally for Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé

Mbappé leads Real Madrid's La Liga scoring with nine goals, closely followed by Vinícius Jr. with eight, who also has five assists. Madrid was without their two top scorers for this match, one starting on the bench and the other recovering for a chance at the team's second of six titles.