Following their loss at Anfield, Real Madrid struggled to regain their footing on the pitch against Rayo Vallecano, ending the match in a frustrating stalemate. Despite Álvaro Carreras’ assertion that the defeat to Liverpool should not disrupt their positive momentum following the derby, it has become evident that the team’s confidence is wavering. The upcoming international break arrives as a much-needed opportunity for Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff to conduct a thorough analysis of recent performances and recalibrate their strategy.
These two disappointing outings have both occurred away from the Santiago Bernabéu, where Madrid has historically felt more at ease. The team has shown vulnerability when playing on the road, especially against opponents willing to adopt an aggressive approach rather than merely defending. While Rayo Vallecano may not boast the star power of Atlético Madrid or Liverpool, they have consistently proven to be a challenging opponent for top teams at home. In fact, Real Madrid had not tasted victory at Vallecas since 2022, and this season, even Barcelona managed only a draw there. Notably, during their title-winning campaign in 2023-24, Rayo was the only team that eluded victory against both Atlético Madrid and Manchester City.
Missed Opportunities and Tactical Shortcomings
Real Madrid was well aware of the challenges awaiting them; however, they failed to rise to the occasion. Against a well-organized Rayo side that pressed diligently throughout the match, Madrid needed to elevate their intensity, technical quality, and determination to secure three points. Two statistics stand out: Rayo Vallecano covered 113.5 km and executed 480 sprints during the match, while Real Madrid managed only 105.3 km and 417 sprints. Although these figures alone do not tell the full story of the draw, they reflect a concerning disparity in energy levels between the two sides.
From a tactical perspective, Real Madrid exhibited familiar issues that have plagued them for over a year: a lack of support around the ball carrier and struggles during possession phases. In the first half, Eduardo Camavinga found himself isolated defensively and in build-up situations as Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler were often too far away to provide assistance. Furthermore, the attacking players were spaced too widely apart to create meaningful combinations that could threaten Rayo’s goal. The failure of full-backs to support wingers compounded these issues.
Defensive Solidity Amidst Attacking Frustration
Despite these shortcomings in attack, Real Madrid did create two significant chances in quick succession during the first half that could have changed the outcome of the match. Vinicius Jr. and Marco Asensio both squandered golden opportunities just minutes apart, lacking the sharpness required in such pivotal moments—a luxury they could ill afford against determined opposition.
On a positive note, Real Madrid’s defensive unit showed promise; Asensio, Éder Militão, and Thibaut Courtois delivered solid performances that kept Rayo at bay for most of the match. However, as they head into the international break, it is clear that Real Madrid must reassess their collective approach if they wish to maintain their position at the top of La Liga and secure advancement in the Champions League knockout stages.
The upcoming fixtures will demand a renewed focus and cohesion from Xabi Alonso’s side if they are to avoid further slips in form.
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