November 09, (THEWILL) — Real Madrid failed to break down Rayo Vallecano in a goalless draw on Sunday, allowing Barcelona the chance to reduce their lead at the top of LaLiga to three points.
The visitors struggled to create clear opportunities at Estadio de Vallecas and were fortunate to leave with a point after the hosts wasted a clear second-half opportunity.
The opening period produced little entertainment, with Andre Ratiu forcing a routine save from Thibaut Courtois following a strong run, whilst Augusto Batalla kept out Vinicius Junior at the opposite end.
Madrid held a six-point advantage over third-placed Barcelona before kick-off, with Villarreal occupying second spot, but the Blaugrana could narrow that margin when they travel to Celta Vigo later in the evening.
After the interval, Jorge De Frutos struck the side-netting for Rayo following good build-up play from Pacha Espino, before Arda Guler sent a dipping effort narrowly wide for the away side.
Kylian Mbappe then came close from the left side of the penalty area, firing just past the far post, but Alvaro Garcia squandered the best chance of the match when he lifted the ball over from six yards out.
Federico Valverde tested Batalla late on and Madrid pressed for a winner in the final moments.
However, they could not penetrate a resolute Rayo Vallecano backline, with the home side holding firm to claim a valuable point.
The dropped points leave Madrid vulnerable at the summit, with their Catalan rivals now in a position to apply pressure if they can secure victory at Balaidos.
Xabi Alonso’s side lacked sharpness in the final third throughout and will need to improve quickly to maintain their advantage in the early title race.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
