Real Madrid Player Ratings: Attack Falters in Rayo Vallecano Stalemate

Real Madrid player ratings told a frustrating story on Sunday as Los Blancos failed to break down a resilient Rayo Vallecano side, resulting in a goalless draw that leaves questions about their attacking prowess.

Real Madrid Player Ratings: Mixed Performances Against Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid’s visit to Vallecas ended in disappointment, with Xabi Alonso’s men unable to find the net despite boasting firepower in Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham. The highly anticipated front line failed to live up to expectations, as Rayo Vallecano’s disciplined defense kept them at bay throughout the 90 minutes.

First Half: Lack of Cutting Edge

From the outset, Real Madrid struggled to create clear-cut chances. Early opportunities fell to Arda Guler, whose sharp effort tested Rayo’s goalkeeper, and Raul Asencio, whose diving header failed to find the target. Despite some promising midfield play, particularly from Eduardo Camavinga and Guler, Los Blancos’ attacks fizzled out in the final third.

Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, looked lively on the counterattack, forcing Thibaut Courtois into a pair of excellent saves as the half progressed. The hosts’ willingness to break at pace exposed some vulnerability in the Madrid backline, especially with Dean Huijsen appearing unsettled and picking up a booking before being replaced at halftime.

Second Half: Missed Chances and Defensive Grit

After the interval, the game opened up but Real Madrid’s woes in front of goal persisted. Mbappe, unusually off-color, missed a promising chance around the hour mark, skewing his shot wide of the post. Moments later, Bellingham’s creativity nearly paid off, but his effort was denied by a timely defensive block.

As the match wore on, Rayo Vallecano gained confidence. Their pressing and counterattacks put Real Madrid under increasing pressure, with Courtois once again called into action. Substitutions by Alonso failed to inject the necessary spark, with Rodrygo and Dani Ceballos unable to make a meaningful impact.

Real Madrid Player Ratings Overview

– Thibaut Courtois (7/10): Reliable as ever, making crucial saves to keep Madrid in the game.
– Federico Valverde (7/10): Maintained discipline on the right flank, limiting Rayo’s opportunities.
– Raul Asencio (6/10): Had a notable chance but otherwise kept things steady.
– Dean Huijsen (6/10): Struggled in the first half, booked and substituted at halftime.
– Alvaro Carreras (7/10): Strong defensively, though his attacking forays lacked precision.
– Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): Broke up play and circulated possession, but lacked the final pass.
– Jude Bellingham (7/10): Showed creativity and drive from midfield, but Rayo’s defense denied him.
– Arda Guler (6/10): Brighter than in recent outings; faded late on.
– Brahim Diaz (6/10): Energetic on the wing but decision-making let him down.
– Kylian Mbappe (5/10): Uncharacteristically ineffective and drifted from his position.
– Vinicius Jr (6/10): Struggled to influence as Rayo crowded his wing.

Substitutes and Manager

Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos struggled to shore up Madrid’s midfield and defense, while Rodrygo’s introduction brought little change. Trent Alexander-Arnold had insufficient time to impact proceedings. Xabi Alonso’s tactical choices, particularly his substitutions when chasing a goal, will be scrutinized as his side’s attacking plan failed to materialize.

The Implications for Real Madrid

This result sees Real Madrid drop precious points in a tightly contested La Liga title race. While draws away from home are inevitable over a long season, the inability to score raises alarms, especially following their recent defeat to Liverpool. With rivals in hot pursuit, every dropped point could prove costly in the championship battle.

Can Real Madrid Bounce Back?

For more news on Real Madrid’s campaign and the latest from around the footballing world, visit for more news.

Editor’s Opinion

Real Madrid’s star-studded attack simply failed to function against a well-organized Rayo Vallecano. While it’s easy to point fingers at individual performances, the lack of cohesion up front and questionable tactical adjustments suggest deeper issues that Xabi Alonso must address quickly. If Los Blancos are to challenge for the title, more consistency and creativity in attack are essential.