BARCELONA, Spain — Real Madrid were held to a 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano in a thrilling derby on Saturday, missing a chance to overtake Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Rayo set a high tempo and stunned the powerhouse with two headed goals from Unai López and Abdul Mumin to lead 2-0 in 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 Rodrygo pass just before half-time.
Madrid looked set to complete a comeback win when Rodrygo scored the winner in the 56th.
But Rayo midfield leader Isi Palazón stretched out a boot to guide 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 substitute in the second half. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla saved the Brazilian’s best effort in the final period.
Madrid was second, one point behind Barcelona. Rayo were in 13th place.
Rayo’s Isi Palazon, center right, celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid at the Vallecas stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Credit: AP/Manu Fernandez
