Eclipse of Madrid under the Vallecas sun against a combative Rayo

Under the Vallecas sun, night fell on Madrid without really understanding the reason.. It was an eclipse, which occurred due to its sufficiency rather than Ancelotti’s rotations, after starting in the same manner as the previous games: under fire. The feeling of superiority was so strong that Rayito’s rebellion was not anticipated in their script.. They were mistaken. That is always present in Vallecas, whether in victory or defeat. The tie is a triumph for this new Rayo led by Íñigo Pérez. For Madrid, it is not catastrophic, considering their lead in the League, just a warning. If more warnings come, we will shift our focus away from Mbappé. [Narrative and statistics (1-1)]

Vallecas always ignites intensities, its own, those of others, and those of its people—a true neighborhood, a good neighborhood. Ancelotti was well aware of the challenges faced in this place, but when seeking opportunities to give the team a shake-up, he chose to play in Vallecas after the gap opened up with Girona and following the Champions League. Fran García, Lucas Vázquez, Modric, Brahim, and Joselu joined forces in an uncommon lineup. Even the Croatian midfielder. Although it seemed unthinkable not long ago, ‘tempus fugit’. Nothing is more certain, especially in football.

Ancelotti’s management ensured that there is no divide between those who know they are substitutes and those who don’t, so Madrid started at the usual level, intense in duels and taking initiative. But it didn’t last long enough to secure a win. This surprised Vallecas, where the worst is expected to occur when forces are equal. The arrival of the new coach brought a new stimulus, though Madrid numbed it with the first goal, courtesy of Joselu.

The plays are over

The action leading to the first goal, before three minutes passed, revealed a key rule that should never be forgotten, especially when facing Madrid: the plays end. If not, the opponent can finish them. Raúl de Tomás, back in the starting lineup alongside Íñigo Pérez, not only squandered an opportunity that Lunin gifted him with a poorly executed ball distribution, but he also kept the play alive for the counterattack. Brahim found Valverde inside, who launched a cross that landed straight to Joselu. Madrid in three sounds: ‘pim, pam, pum’. There was nothing to suggest any doubt, but VAR had to confirm the goal.

In the ideal scenario for Madrid, Ancelotti’s team lacked individual flair and bravery. On the other hand, Rayo brought intensity—something they are known for but had been lacking—and leveled the match, putting pressure on Madrid. Isi, Trejo, Pacha Espino, and Álvaro took control of the midfield and made incursions, particularly on the right flank, where Lucas Vázquez’s offensive prowess highlighted Tchouaméni’s doubts as an occasional central defender, leading to a couple of accidents. Normal. None like the one Tchouaméni caused when he lost the ball to Álvaro at the start of the second half. Luckily, the Madrid player corrected his mistake in time to prevent a goal.

Rayo’s goal, which equalized the match, came from a clear penalty when Camavinga handled Trejo’s shot. It’s hard to understand why there was suspense from the VAR, but there was. The action began with Lucas Vázquez being surpassed and Rayo finding an open cross. RDT didn’t miss from the penalty spot. The goal allowed Rayo to solidify the changes they introduced, bringing the game to their desired pace. Although few things happened, the ones that did were provoked by Madrid. Valverde hit the post, and Brahim exploited the gaps in the defense, attempting shots and crosses to Joselu. On the other end, the only scare came from Tchouaméni’s clash with the mischievous Álvaro.

Ancelotti watched from the bench, which resembled a treasure chest in Vallecas, and brought on Rodrygo and Kroos to replace Brahim and Camavinga, who had been the best players on a lackluster Madrid side. Shortly after, Carvajal entered the game, only to be later sent off due to recklessness and frustration. The substitutions didn’t change the system, as the players were positioned in a 4-2-3-1 formation. No team knows how to handle the final minutes quite like Madrid, and it’s best not to give them any space or opportunities—which is exactly what Rayo did, even with Falcao on the field. With Vinicius disconnected and limited to dead-ball situations, Dmitrievski successfully reached the peak of Kroos’ curving shot, a trajectory that did not return Madrid to the sunny side.