Real Madrid moved six point clear of second-place Girona despite dropping points in a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon.
LaLiga
Result: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Real Madrid
Date: 18 February 2024
Venue: Estadio de Vallecas
Coach Carlo Ancelotti made four changes from the win over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, with Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, Joselu and Fran Garcia all returning to the line-up.
Los Blancos got off to the perfect start when a swift counter-attack ended with Joselu sweeping home a cross from Federico Valverde, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) approving the strike after it was initially flagged for offside.
It was an open affair early on and the home side were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute after Eduardo Camavinga was deemed to have handled the ball. Raul de Tomas stepped up and calmly slotted past Andry Lunin.
Ancelotti's looked for a way back into the contest and they went close agonigisngly close ten minutes before the break when Valverde rattled the upright with a powerful volley from the edge of the box.
Los Blancos continued with the same approach in the second half, but were nearly caught out on the break after Tchouameni's losing possession however Garcia got back in time to deny a certain goal.
The visitors had a big chance of their own just before the hour mark when Joselu was picked out in the box, but the Spanish striker was denied by Vallecano shot-stopper Stole Dimitrievski.
Ancelotti made a double change soon after that as Rodrygo and veteran midfielder Toni Kroos came on for Brahim Diaz and Camavinga with 20 minutes left on the click.
Los Blancos were left frustrated and could find a second goal in the latter stages and to make matters worse, they finished the game with ten men after Dani Carvajal was sent off for picking up a second yellow in the final three minutes.
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