Real Madrid’s attack was shut down by a heroic goalkeeping performance and a resilient defense in a 0-0 local derby.
In a derby defined by grit over glamour, Real Madrid’s potent attack was finally silenced. Despite dominating possession and creating a host of chances, the La Liga leaders were repeatedly thwarted by a defiant Rayo Vallecano side and their inspired goalkeeper, Augusto Battalla, who earned a hard-fought point for the home team.
The first half was a frantic, physical affair, with both teams flying into challenges. While Madrid crafted the better opportunities, they found Battalla in unbeatable form. The goalkeeper made two crucial saves in the opening period, first denying a sharp effort from Arda Güler and then, minutes later, producing a stunning block to stop Vinicius Jr. from point-blank range.
Rayo refused to be mere spectators, carving out chances of their own on the counter-attack. Andrei Ratiu forced a save from Thibaut Courtois, while a speculative 50-yard effort from Isi Palazon that caught the Madrid keeper off his line served as a warning.
After the break, the relentless pressure from the league leaders intensified as Rayo began to tire. The home side’s defence, however, stood firm, throwing bodies in the way and clearing their lines with desperate, last-ditch interventions. Kylian Mbappé, who has scored half of Madrid’s league goals this season, was kept uncharacteristically quiet, his most notable contribution—a mazy run—snuffed out by a well-organized defensive wall.
Despite sending on fresh attackers, Madrid manager Xabi Alonso could not find a winning formula. As the final whistle blew, it was Rayo’s players and their heroic goalkeeper who celebrated, while Madrid was left to rue two missed points, hoping their title rivals would later slip up to soften the blow of a frustrating night in the capital.
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