Real Madrid Held to Draw at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga
Madrid, 15 Dec (ONA) --- Real Madrid was held at Rayo Vallecano to 3-3 in a thrilling derby, missing a chance to overtake Barcelona at the top of the Spanish La Liga.
Rayo set a fast pace and stunned the powerhouse with two headed goals from Unai López and Abdul Mumin headers to lead 2-0 by the 36th minute.
Federico Valverde struck with a powerful shot from well outside the area to pull one back for Madrid then Jude Bellingham headed the visitors’ level from a pass by Rodrygo just before halftime, the Spanish MARCA newspaper reported.
Madrid looked on course to completing a comeback win when Rodrygo scored the go-ahead goal in the 56th.
But Rayo midfield leader Isi Palazón stretched out a boot to steer Florian Lejeune's shot past Thibaut Courtois in the 64th.
Madrid was without striker Kylian Mbappé, who is nursing a left-thigh injury. Vinícius Júnior went on as a second-half substitute. Goalie Augusto Batalla saved the Brazilian's best effort in the final period.
Madrid remained second, one point behind Barcelona. Rayo was in 13th place.
--- Ends/Khalid