Real Madrid was held to a 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish league on Sunday, marking its second consecutive setback after a Champions League defeat at Liverpool. Madrid’s attack struggled and remained scoreless once again, having previously scored in every match this season until the 1-0 loss at Liverpool on Tuesday.
Despite the draw, Madrid remains at the top of the Spanish league, five points ahead of second-placed Villarreal. However, Barcelona can close the gap to three points by defeating Celta Vigo later on Sunday.
Madrid had won 13 out of its 15 games across all competitions this season, with the only setbacks being the loss to Liverpool and a 5-2 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the Spanish league in September.
Rayo Vallecano, positioned
12th, had lost 4-0 at Villarreal in its previous league game but was coming off consecutive victories in the Europa League and the Copa del Rey.
Earlier on Sunday, seventh-placed Athletic Bilbao snapped a three-game losing streak across all competitions by beating Oviedo 1-0. Nico Williams scored in the 25th minute after outpacing three defenders with a skilful run down the left flank before netting from a difficult angle. It was the sixth straight match without a win for last-placed Oviedo in all competitions.
