Real Madrid held to goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano

Updated: Nov 9, 2026, 01:18 pm

Real Madrid stumbled on from their midweek Champions League defeat by Liverpool with a frustrating goalless draw at city rivals Rayo Vallecano.

Xabi Alonso's side had failed to win for only the second time this season when beaten 1-0 at Anfield on Tuesday night.

There were few clear cut chances for the LaLiga leaders at Estadio de Vallecas on Sunday afternoon, with Vinícius Júnior and England midfielder Jude Bellingham both denied by Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.

After a scrappy start, the home side created the first decent opening in the 21st minute when defender Andrei Ratiu surged forward, but then shot straight at Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid - with Trent Alexander-Arnold again starting on the bench - almost broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute.

Vinicius Junior's hooked effort was pushed away by a fine reaction save from Batalla before Raul Ascencio sent his header wide.

Vallecano were forced into a change after 27 minutes when midfielder Pedro Díaz had to go off with a knee issue and was replaced by Pacha Espino.

Vinicius Junior looked to make something for himself just before half-time when he cut back into the penalty area, but then could only curl a right-footed shot well wide.

There were chances for both sides at the start of the second half.

Jorge de Frutos stabbed a shot into the side-netting at the near post for the hosts before at the other end, Arda Güler sent a long-range effort wide.

Bellingham, recalled to the England squad for the last round of World Cup qualifiers, collected a diagonal ball into the penalty area and tested Batalla with an angled drive.

As the hour approached, Kylian Mbappé sent a curling effort just wide of the far corner.

Real Madrid continued to press heading into the final 20 minutes, with Federico Valverde's low strike pushed away by Batalla.

However, Vallecano, who had won six of their last eight games in all competitions, remained difficult to break down.

Dani Ceballos drilled a late effort wide before Guler's weaving run into the box during stoppage time was closed out.