Leaders Real Madrid drop points at Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid Draws 1-1 With Rayo Vallecano, Losing Ground In La Liga Race

Reporter British number one Johanna Konta reached the second round of the Australian Open with a straight-set victory over Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in Melbourne. The 28-year-old won 6-4 6-2 in one hour and 16 minutes on the first day of the Grand Slam. Konta went into the opening Slam of the year with just one win to her name this season but looked largely in control against Jabeur, ranked 78th in the world. Konta's reward is a second-round match against either Britain's Heather Watson or Czech 29th seed Kristyna Pliskova. The win took Konta's career record at the Australian Open in Melbourne to eight victories and three defeats. "It's always tough against Ons so I knew I had to compete hard and try to play tactically slightly better than her," the 12th seed said. "I'm just trying to do the best I can and just try to bring out the tennis I've been working hard on." Konta reached the semi-finals in Melbourne in 2016, losing to eventual winner Angelique Kerber. But she arrived at this year's event with question marks over her fitness after an injury-interrupted build-up. The Briton, who played in the doubles at the Adelaide International last week, withdrew from the warm-up Hobart International with a minor knee problem. And in her only other singles match of the season - at the Brisbane International - she lost to Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic. Her better form against Jabeur was highlighted by her powerful serve, which brought her five aces, and only three double faults. Konta broke her opponent's serve twice in each set, producing some big winners down the line and on the stretch. She wrapped up the victory on her second match point with a backhand half-volley winner. "I knew going in it would have to be a high level for me to win this match. I was pleased with the way I played," said Konta. "I was pleased with the way I competed. There were definitely things I want to do a bit better but it was a great start."

This article was last updated 7 hours ago and pertains to European football.

Real Madrid, who are currently leading La Liga, were unable to secure a win in their match against their neighbours Rayo Vallecano. This has provided a glimmer of hope for Girona and Barcelona in their pursuit of the Spanish championship.

The guests began with a quick and strong start, taking the lead early on when Joselu reached out to redirect Fede Valverde's cross into the goal.

Rayo managed to score a goal that made them even with their opponent thanks to Raul de Tomas' successful penalty shot. This happened because the video assistant referee (VAR) noticed that Eduardo Camavinga had handled the ball.

Real failed to generate substantial offense and had to settle for one point.

The tied game allowed the team that has won the La Liga championship 35 times to increase their lead over the team in second place, Girona. Girona will be going up against Athletic Bilbao on Monday. The difference now between the two teams is six points.

Real Madrid have a significant lead of eight points over their main competitors, Barcelona, who managed to secure a victory against Celta Vigo during their last match. The win was not easy as it came late in the game.

The team led by Carlo Ancelotti has only suffered one defeat in the league so far this season. However, they had to face their recent opponent Rayo Vallecano without the participation of Jude Bellingham, an injured midfielder representing England.

The guests got off to a strong start but were unable to increase their lead and ended up penalized when Rayo scored a goal to make the game even in the middle of the first period.

This altered the atmosphere and rhythm at a loud Vallecas Stadium.

For the initial instance, Rayo had Inigo Perez as their coach and he is aged 36. They maintained discipline and structure during the match, leading to limiting the chances Real had.

Toni Kroos, a midfielder from Germany, almost scored a winning goal with a free-kick when he entered the game as a replacement after taking a break. However, Rayo goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski managed to prevent the ball from going in by saving it and pushing it out wide.

In the closing moments, Dani Carvajal attempted a shot that was denied by the opposing team. However, he was subsequently given a second yellow card and sent off after shrugging off an opponent when the game had already come to a stop.

The game is over, with Rayo Vallecano scoring one goal and Real Madrid scoring one as well.

The second part of the game has concluded, with the score being tied at one point for both Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid receives a free-kick opportunity in the attacking zone.

Miguel Crespo from Rayo Vallecano committed an offense.

Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid) received his second yellow card.

In the defensive zone, Dani Carvajal, a member of Real Madrid, manages to earn a free kick.

Kike Pérez (Rayo Vallecano) has committed a foul.

The effort was stopped! Dani Carvajal, a player for Real Madrid, kicked the ball with his left foot from a distance and aimed for the goal, but the goalkeeper managed to catch it right in the middle. Toni Kroos provided the assist.

Aurélien Tchouaméni from Real Madrid earns a free kick in their defensive area.

Sergio Camello (Rayo Vallecano) committed a foul.

The referee gave Dani Carvajal (player from Real Madrid team) a warning by displaying the yellow card.

Toni Kroos from Real Madrid was awarded a free kick in the defensive section.

Kike Perez (Rayo Vallecano) commits a violation.

Arda Güler (Real Madrid) committed a violation.

Miguel Crespo from Rayo Vallecano has earned a free kick while his team was in the defensive half.

Real Madrid makes a substitution as Arda Güler takes over for Luka Modric.

Luka Modric, a player on the Real Madrid team, has successfully been awarded a free kick in the area designated for defensive actions.

Sergio Camello (from Rayo Vallecano) committed a foul.

In the corner spot, Rayo Vallecano gains possession after Aurélien Tchouaméni surrenders control.

Real Madrid's Toni Kroos earns a set-piece opportunity in their own half of the field.