Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano player ratings: Jude Bellingham is unstoppable! The England star scores again but Carlo Ancelotti’s side are weakened by defensive deficiencies

Real Madrid missed the chance to go to the top of La Liga on Saturday evening, settling for a chaotic 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano. Jude Bellingham scored for the fifth game in a row, but he alone could not make up for an otherwise forgettable defensive performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s side – the reigning La Liga champions conceded three avoidable goals.

Los Blancos were weak for 40 minutes. And Rayo made them pay. They scored two almost identical goals in the 4th and 36th minutes, a ball hitting the post and a header back over Thibaut Courtois, disabling the Madrid defense.

But they soon responded. Federico Valverde scored the first goal, shooting the ball into the goal from 30 meters away. Bellingham equalized in short order, racing towards goal to deflect Rodrygo’s angled cross with a fine header. Madrid might have won when Rodrygo’s deflected shot flew into the net shortly after half-time. But Rayo had an answer: club veteran Isi Palazon ensured a clean finish after rushing unmarked into the penalty area.

In fact, it never seemed likely for Madrid that there would be a winner. Vinicius Jr. offered attacking power without much penetration. And although Los Blancos had the majority of the ball, there were few concrete chances. The Brazilian came closest but could only hit the goalkeeper’s palms from a tight angle.

GOAL evaluates the Real Madrid players from Vallecas…