Real Madrid's quest to secure a crucial victory against Rayo Vallecano ended in disappointment, with the game finishing in a 3-3 draw. Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has weighed in on the result, pointing to what he sees as Carlo Ancelotti's persistent mistake: starting a player Zidane believes is unfit for the lineup.
Zidane, who has a storied history with the club as both player and manager, revealed that he had previously warned Ancelotti about the same issue. Speaking after the game, he remarked, “I warned Carlo Ancelotti about that particular player. He refused to bench him, and now Real Madrid is paying the price.”
### **Missed Opportunities and Controversial Calls**
The match saw Real Madrid struggle to secure the three points that would have placed them at the top of La Liga. They started poorly, conceding an early goal in the 4th minute when Unai López struck for Rayo Vallecano. While Rodrygo and Arda Güler came close to equalizing, Real Madrid found themselves further behind in the 36th minute when Mumin scored from a corner.
However, Real Madrid responded with determination, leveling the score before halftime with two quick goals. Federico Valverde unleashed a thunderous long-range strike in the 39th minute, followed by a brilliant header from Jude Bellingham in the 42nd minute.
The second half began with Real Madrid taking the lead in the 56th minute through Rodrygo. But their advantage was short-lived as Rayo Vallecano equalized in the 64th minute, courtesy of Isi’s clinical finish from Lejeune's cross.
The most contentious moment of the match came in the 75th minute when Vinicius Jr. was brought down in the box by Mumin. Despite the clear foul, referee Martínez Munuera chose not to award a penalty, and the VAR referee, González Fuertes, did not intervene. This decision left fans and players frustrated, as it could have changed the outcome of the match.
### **Ancelotti Under Fire**
Zidane’s criticism of Ancelotti centered on his squad decisions, which Zidane claims contributed to the draw. While he did not name the player directly, his pointed remarks suggest dissatisfaction with one of Real Madrid’s regular starters.
“Ancelotti is repeating the same mistake,” Zidane added. “This decision is costing the team critical points in the league.”
### **Resilient but Unrewarded**
Despite the draw, Real Madrid showed admirable resilience throughout the match. Vinicius Jr. came close to scoring the winner in the 84th minute, only for his shot to be saved by Rayo’s goalkeeper. Antonio Rüdiger also narrowly missed a last-minute chance in injury time.
Real Madrid’s fighting spirit was evident, but the team will need to refine their approach as they prepare for the Intercontinental Cup final. The result highlights not just tactical missteps but also the importance of key refereeing decisions, which can significantly impact the outcome of a tightly contested match.
### **What Lies Ahead**
As Real Madrid shifts focus to their next challenge, Ancelotti will need to address the concerns raised by Zidane and reassess his squad selections. With La Liga remaining fiercely competitive, every point matters, and mistakes—whether on the pitch or in the dugout—can prove costly.
Meanwhile, Zidane’s comments will undoubtedly spark debate among fans and pundits, adding another layer of intrigue to Real Madrid’s season.