Real Madrid, currently leading La Liga, encountered a stumbling block as they settled for a frustrating 1-1 draw against local rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

The visitors took an early lead through Joselu’s strike, but Rayo Vallecano, under new coach Inigo Perez, found an equalizer from the penalty spot courtesy of former Real Madrid youth player Raul de Tomas.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side extended their lead over second-placed Girona to six points before Girona’s upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao on Monday.

Following their dominant victory over Girona last weekend, which widened the title race gap to five points, Real Madrid’s draw now provides an opportunity for their closest rivals to narrow the margin.

The match concluded on a sour note for Madrid as Dani Carvajal received a red card in the dying moments for an apparent elbow on Kike Perez.

Rayo Vallecano, positioned 14th, initiated changes earlier in the week by parting ways with Francisco Rodriguez and welcoming Perez, making Madrid’s visit a challenging test for the new coach.

Real Madrid swiftly seized the lead within three minutes, with Fede Valverde orchestrating a swift counter-attack down the right flank, leading to Joselu’s goal, initially flagged offside but later validated by VAR.

Despite initial promise, Madrid faced challenges in creating clear-cut opportunities, missing their top scorer Jude Bellingham due to injury recovery.

Although Madrid managed a midweek Champions League win over RB Leipzig, fatigue might have played a role against a spirited and hardworking Rayo side.

After Rayo Vallecano leveled the score with De Tomas’ penalty, both teams engaged in competitive exchanges. Valverde struck the post from distance, while Rayo threatened with Lunin saving a close-range effort from Alvaro Garcia after a Modric error.

As the game progressed, substitute Toni Kroos forced Rayo goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski into action with a well-struck free-kick, but Madrid failed to secure a decisive goal.

In frustration, Carvajal received his marching orders for a second yellow card after swinging an elbow at Kike Perez, culminating in a disappointing outing for Madrid.