Real Madrid Scrapes By

On March 9, 2025, Real Madrid hosted Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu in a LaLiga match that promised an easy victory but turned into a nerve-wracking battle. The Whites secured a hard-fought 2-1 win, driven by goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., earning three crucial points for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. Yet, the performance left Madridistas with mixed feelings—relief at the result, tempered by concern over the team’s vulnerabilities. What happened in this dramatic encounter? Let’s dive in.

A Promising Start for Real Madrid: Mbappé and Vinícius Ignite the Bernabéu

Real Madrid took the field with a determined lineup: Lunin; Vázquez, Asencio, Alaba, Fran García; Rodrygo, Modric, Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Vinícius, and Mbappé. From the outset, the Whites aimed to assert dominance. In the 30th minute, Kylian Mbappé set the Bernabéu ablaze with a stunning goal, cutting inside and firing a precise shot into the top corner past Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla. Just four minutes later, at the 34th minute, Vinícius Jr. doubled the lead with a moment of brilliance, dribbling past three defenders before calmly slotting home. The 2-0 scoreline hinted at a comfortable night, showcasing why these two stars are the core of Madrid’s attack in the 2024-25 season.

Goal Breakdown: Pure Magic in the Box

Mbappé’s opener was a testament to his quality, capitalizing on a clever pass from Luka Modric to finish with finesse, silencing critics after a patchy campaign, as noted by El Confidencial. Vinícius, meanwhile, dazzled with a mazy run that left Rayo’s defense in ruins, his composed finish earning viral praise on social media. Despite the early lead, Madrid failed to lock down the game, with defensive cracks beginning to emerge.

Early Promise, Early Warning Signs

While the score suggested control, Madrid’s play was far from perfect. Luka Modric and Aurélien Tchouaméni provided midfield stability, but the defense struggled. Fran García, at left-back, had trouble containing Rayo’s wingers, notably Adrián Embarba, while Raúl Asencio’s erratic passing in central defense drew scrutiny, as reported by Managing Madrid. These weaknesses set the stage for a challenging second half.

A Second Half of Suffering: Rayo Vallecano Fights Back, Ancelotti Under Fire

The momentum shifted in stoppage time of the first half when Pedro Díaz pulled one back for Rayo Vallecano at 45’+3. The Asturian striker headed home from a corner, exploiting a defensive lapse where David Alaba and Asencio failed to mark tightly, a moment dubbed a “stunner” by El Confidencial. The second half became a tense affair as Rayo pressed high, capitalizing on Madrid’s inability to retain possession, keeping the Bernabéu on edge.

Controversy and Questionable Decisions: Why Did Madrid Falter?

Ancelotti’s substitutions failed to stabilize the team, sparking criticism. In the 68th minute, Rodrygo, who had been involved in the buildup to Mbappé’s goal, was replaced by Federico Valverde to bolster the midfield, but Valverde struggled to impose himself, earning a modest rating from Managing Madrid. At the 79th minute, Mbappé—despite his earlier brilliance—was substituted for Eduardo Camavinga, a move that baffled fans, possibly to manage his workload or avoid injury. Finally, at the 86th minute, Jude Bellingham made way for Brahim Díaz, a late change to see out the game. With only three substitutions, Madrid remained vulnerable, forcing Andriy Lunin to make critical saves, including a stunning stop in the 82nd minute against Embarba. On X, fans vented their frustration, with one post reading, “Taking Mbappé off at 79’? Ancelotti’s lost the plot—we’re barely hanging on!” The Italian’s cautious tactics reignited debates about his leadership.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The Bernabéu’s mood swung from joy to anxiety, with “¡Hala Madrid!” chants fading into nervous murmurs. On X, #AncelottiOut trended briefly as fans criticized the team’s inability to dominate a mid-table side. Others called for perspective, with a tweet stating, “Three points are three points—let’s not overreact, but we need improvement.” This split reflects the sky-high expectations at Real Madrid, where narrow wins feel like near-misses.

Tchouaméni Shines Amid Chaos: The Midfield Anchor Held It Together

Amid the turmoil, Aurélien Tchouaméni emerged as the standout performer. The Frenchman was a rock in midfield, breaking up Rayo’s attacks with timely tackles and distributing with composure, earning an 8.5 rating from Managing Madrid. His 78th-minute block on a dangerous Rayo counterattack was pivotal, drawing cheers from the stands. While Mbappé and Vinícius stole the spotlight upfront, Tchouaméni’s understated brilliance was the backbone that prevented a collapse.

Supporting Cast: Lunin and Alaba Step Up

Andriy Lunin shone in goal, making five crucial saves against Rayo’s 20 shots, with his 82nd-minute stop against Embarba proving decisive, as per Managing Madrid. David Alaba, in defense, impressed with his ball progression and blocks, earning an 8 rating and providing a rare bright spot. Fran García, despite being outpaced at times, redeemed himself with a vital clearance in the final minutes. These efforts highlight the squad’s depth, though Ancelotti must harness it better.

A Turning Point for Madrid?

This narrow victory keeps Real Madrid in the LaLiga title race, but the performance raises red flags. The defense’s fragility, with Asencio’s errors and García’s struggles against Rayo’s wingers, is a concern, while Ancelotti’s substitutions—especially Mbappé’s early exit—left fans questioning his judgment. With the Champions League showdown against Atlético Madrid on March 12 looming, Madrid faces a critical test. Can Ancelotti balance his star-studded attack with a shaky defense? Will Tchouaméni’s rise as a midfield lynchpin provide the stability needed? The coming weeks will shape Madrid’s season, and the pressure is on to deliver more than just scrappy wins.