Rodrygo of Real Madrid celebrates a goal during the Spanish La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid, December 14, 2024. /CFP
Rodrygo of Real Madrid celebrates a goal during the Spanish La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid, December 14, 2024. /CFP
In the Spanish La Liga, 36-time league champion Real Madrid missed a golden opportunity to leapfrog leaders Barcelona, as defensive errors saw them held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by local rivals Rayo Valleco on Saturday.
After Rayo jumped out to a 2-0 lead, Federico Valverde pulled a goal back for Madrid with a powerful shot from distance and Jude Bellingham leveled with his seventh goal in eight games before halftime following a pass from Rodrygo.
In the second half, Rodrygo put Real ahead with a deflected effort form the edge of the area in the 56th minute. However, Isi Palazon weaved his way between Antonio Ruediger and Aurelien Tchouameni to deflect a cross into the net, earning the hosts a hard-fought point.
Carlo Ancelotti's men now sit second on 37 points from 17 matches, trailing Barcelona by one. Rayo remain 13th with 20 points.