“I warned Carlo Ancelotti about that particular player, he refused to bench him and He drew the game Vs Rayo Vallecano that could have see him top the league… Ancelotti is making the same mistake now, I’m warning him also”: Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane names ONE player who doesn’t deserve to start for Real Madrid, warned Ancelotti about the unforgivable mistake
Real Madrid was denied a crucial win in Vallecas due to a controversial decision by referee Martínez Munuera, who failed to award a penalty to Vinicius Jr. in the 75th minute. The Whites had come from behind to take the lead, only to be pegged back by a late equalizer from Rayo Vallecano.
The match got off to a disastrous start for Real Madrid, with Unai López scoring for Rayo Vallecano in the fourth minute. However, the Whites responded well and could have equalized through Rodrygo’s cross in the 13th minute. Arda Güler also had a clear chance in the 33rd minute, but his shot missed the target by inches.
Rayo Vallecano doubled their lead in the 36th minute through a corner taken by Isi, which was headed into the net by Mumin. However, Real Madrid responded spectacularly, scoring two goals in the space of three minutes. Federico Valverde scored a stunning long-range effort in the 39th minute, and Jude Bellingham equalized in the 45th minute with a beautiful header.
The second half saw Real Madrid take the lead through Rodrygo’s strike in the 56th minute. However, Rayo Vallecano equalized eight minutes later through Isi’s touch, which found the net after connecting with Lejeune’s cross.
The most controversial moment of the match came in the 75th minute when Vinicius Jr. was clearly brought down inside the area by Mumin. However, referee Martínez Munuera failed to award a penalty, and the VAR referee González Fuertes did not intervene.
Real Madrid continued to push for the winning goal, but it was not to be. Vinicius Jr.’s left-footed shot in the 84th minute was met with a great save from the goalkeeper, and Antonio Rüdiger missed the target by inches in added time.
Despite the draw, Real Madrid can take heart from their spirited performance, which saw them come from behind to take the lead. The team will now focus on the final of the Intercontinental Cup.