Rayo Vallecano 3-3 Real Madrid - Jude Bellingham scores in six-goal thriller as Los Blancos share spoils - Eurosport

Real Madrid let slip the chance to take the lead in the standings after Isi Palazon thwarted their impressive comeback from a 2-0 deficit, resulting in a 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas.

Unai Lopez shocked everyone by scoring an early goal for the home team just four minutes into the match. The Los Blancos defense was caught off guard on the right side when Jorge de Frutos delivered an excellent cross that found Lopez completely unmarked, allowing him to head the ball into the net.

In the 36th minute, Inigo Perez's team extended their advantage when Palazon's corner kick reached Abdul Mumin at the far post, allowing him to gently head the ball past Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid found a way to get back into the match when Federico Valverde took a shot from 30 yards, and it soared past Augusto Batalla, landing in the bottom corner just three minutes later.

Just before halftime, Jude Bellingham evened the score by sending Rodrygo’s pass into the bottom right corner of the net.

Rodrygo probably believed he had clinched the comeback when he fired a shot from outside the box that curled into the top corner. However, the score was even again when Palazon managed to deflect Florian Lejeune’s pass, sending it beyond Courtois.

In the final moments of the match, both teams had chances to score the decisive goal. Courtois made an incredible save, preventing Lejeune’s free-kick from hitting the back of the net in the dying seconds of the game.

Coming up, Real Madrid will head to Qatar for the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where they'll face Pachuca, who won the CONCACAF Champions Cup, on Wednesday, December 18. Following that, they will host Sevilla at home on Sunday, December 22.

Rayo Vallecano will be heading out for two away matches, facing Villarreal on December 18 and Real Betis on December 22, before the holiday season begins.

Real Madrid Misses Another Chance To Top Table

Real Madrid had the chance to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona before their match on Saturday night, but they were unable to take advantage of it. Barcelona is scheduled to play Leganes on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's team struggled once more, going up against a Rayo Vallecano squad that had only managed one victory in their last four matches. Rayo Vallecano managed to score first, taking the lead just four minutes into the game.

Real Madrid finally found their rhythm before halftime, equalizing the score and then taking the lead. However, they struggled to control the game against their local rivals, allowing Rayo to create some opportunities.

They have closed the gap to just one point behind Barcelona, but they have also given Atletico Madrid a chance, as they will be playing tomorrow as well.

Rodrygo Named Player Of The Match For Real Madrid

The Brazilian contributed with a goal and an assist, turning two challenging situations into scoring opportunities that brought Real Madrid back into the match and even put them ahead. However, they were soon leveled again by the opposition.

Rayo Vallecano: Batalla 7, Ratiu 6, Mumin 7, Lejeune 7, Chavarria 6, de Frutos 7, Lopez 7, Ciss 6, Embarba 6, Nteka 6, Palazon 7 Substitutes: Alvaro 6, Valentin 6, Camello 6, Diaz 7, Balliu 6

Real Madrid: Courtois received a score of 7, while Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Garcia, and Modric all got 6. Valverde earned a 7, with Guler and Bellingham also scoring 7 each. Rodrygo stood out with an 8, and Brahim was rated at 6. The substitutes included Vinicius Jr with a score of 5, Camavinga with 6, and both Ceballos and Endrick at 5.

**GOAL! RAYO VALLECANO 1-0 REAL MADRID (LOPEZ)** Rayo Vallecano takes the lead as Jorge de Frutos catches Real Madrid off guard on the right flank. He delivers a fantastic cross into the penalty area, where Unai Lopez is left unmarked at the far post. Lopez heads the ball across the goal to give his team the advantage.

36' GOAL! RAYO VALLECANO 2-0 REAL MADRID (MUMIN) Just when Real Madrid seemed to be settling into the match, Rayo Vallecano earned a corner. They executed a brilliant set piece, and Abdul Mumin was positioned at the back post. He redirected his header across the goal, putting Rayo Vallecano up by two.

39' GOAL! RAYO VALLECANO 2-1 REAL MADRID (VALVERDE) What a stunning goal from Federico Valverde, hitting it from 30 yards! It may have had a slight deflection on its way to the net, but Real Madrid won't mind one bit—this is precisely the boost they needed.

45' GOAL! RAYO VALLECANO 2-2 REAL MADRID (BELLINGHAM) How did it become 2-2? Real Madrid has equalized, thanks to a fantastic cross from Rodrygo that reaches Jude Bellingham. He expertly heads the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.

56' GOAL! RAYO VALLECANO 2-3 REAL MADRID (RODRYGO) What a stunning strike! Real Madrid smoothly passes the ball around the perimeter of the penalty area until it reaches Rodrygo. He shifts to the left and fires a shot from the edge of the box, sending the ball soaring into the top left corner of the net. The comeback is complete!

64' GOAL! RAYO VALLECANO 3-3 REAL MADRID (PALAZON) This wasn't in the script, or perhaps it was all part of the plan. Rayo stays in the game, and Palazon manages to get the slightest of touches on Lejeune's pass, sending the ball into the net past Courtois.

84' GREAT SAVE BY BATALLA! The Rayo goalkeeper makes an outstanding stop to prevent Vini from scoring as he drives in from the side. Batalla manages to get a touch on his powerful shot before it can find the net.

90+8' HUGE SAVE FROM COURTOIS Rayo Vallecano has a free-kick in an excellent spot, giving Florian Lejeune the opportunity to challenge Courtois. He strikes the ball, but Courtois manages to push it away, preventing the shot from finding the net before it goes out of play.

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