La Liga: Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano in derby

Real Madrid missed an opportunity to extend their lead in the La Liga title race as they were held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas.

The result leaves Real Madrid six points clear at the top of the table, with Girona having a chance to close the gap to three points if they win their game in hand against Athletic Club.

Real Madrid got off to a dream start, taking the lead after just four minutes through Joselu Mato’s goal, assisted by Federico Valverde.

However, Rayo Vallecano fought back and equalized later in the first half, with Raul de Tomas converting a penalty after Eduardo Camavinga was penalized for a handball.

In the second half, Real Madrid pushed for a winner but were unable to break down Rayo’s strong defense.

Toni Kroos came close with a free kick, but Rayo’s goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski made a crucial save to deny him.

The match ended in controversy as Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal was shown a straight red card for an altercation with a Rayo Vallecano player, Kike Perez.

Carvajal will now miss Real Madrid’s next game against Sevilla, as will Camavinga, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the match.