Real Madrid – Rayo Vallecano: Three Points With The Minimum Effort (2-1)

With a minimum effort, Real Madrid regained the second place in the League table. After going drought for two games, Kylian Mbappé returned to put his name in the scoresheet, whereas Vinícius Júnior impersonated Leonardo da Vinci, drawing his Mona Lisa with his feet to double up the score. Nevertheless, Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior's lack of commitment kept causing trouble for the defensive unity.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

After being seven points clear ahead of rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid entered a dim tunnel where they kept drowning until they surrendered LaLiga's lead to Hansi Flick's men. In the UEFA Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti's team turns into Avengers mode once they hear the competition's anthem. They kicked out Manchester City and went to the first leg of the round of sixteen, pulling off one of their brightest performances throughout the season.

Celebrating their slight advantage against Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid headed to Santiago Bernabéu, hoping to overcome Rayo Vallecano's hurdle and occupy the second place in the league after Rojiblancos' defeat against Getafe. Carlo Ancelotti cannot afford to repeat Real Betis' scenario, where they dominated proceedings and then faded away after leading the score. 

Andry Lunin started in goal, replacing Thibaut Courtois . . .