Real Madrid, the current leaders of La Liga, dropped points in a draw against local rivals Rayo Vallecano, providing hope to Girona and Barcelona in the Spanish title race.
The away side started the game strongly and took an early lead when Joselu converted Fede Valverde’s pass into the net.
However, Rayo Vallecano leveled the score through a penalty from Raul de Tomas after the video assistant referee (VAR) detected a handball by Eduardo Camavinga.
Real Madrid failed to create many chances thereafter and settled for a single point.
The draw allowed the 35-time La Liga champions to extend their lead over second-placed Girona, who are set to face Athletic Bilbao on Monday, to six points.
Real Madrid currently holds an eight-point advantage over arch-rivals Barcelona, who secured a late victory against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Under the management of 36-year-old Inigo Perez for the first time, Rayo Vallecano remained organized and disciplined, limiting Real Madrid’s opportunities.
Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid struggled to break down Rayo’s defense, with substitute Toni Kroos coming closest to scoring from a free-kick, which Rayo goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski parried wide.
In injury time, Dani Carvajal’s shot was saved before he was shown a second yellow card and subsequently sent off for a post-play altercation with an opponent, leaving Real Madrid with ten men.
