KEY POINTS

  • Rayo Vallecano came from behind to beat Real Madrid 3-2
  • Real are two points behind table-toppers Barcelona
  • Real Madrid are next set to host Cadiz before the international break

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti singled out Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo for performing poorly in their side's 3-2 defeat Monday.

Real Madrid gave up their lead and allowed Rayo Vallecano to come from behind and secure a massive victory over the reigning champions. Ancelotti did not hold back with his criticism.

"We lacked determination of the rival, lost individual duels, and could not get our play going. We have played too many games, same as most teams, we're not as fresh as we were, we lacked legs today," Ancelotti said after the game at Estadio de Vallecas.

"We needed to be a bit tougher. We had trouble playing out from the back. I'm talking about Vinicius, Rodrygo, and all the rest, who normally do a good job. It was a difficult game for everyone, especially for Vini. When it's hard to play out from the back, the forwards suffer the most. Vini was closely marked and he always is," added Ancelotti in the post-match interview.

Following their latest loss, Real Madrid have dropped to second place in the La Liga table. With 34 points from 13 games, FC Barcelona are two points clear at the top of the league table. The Catalans comfortably defeated Almeria 2-0 and will next travel to the city of Navarre to take on Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium.

Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Rodrygo (L) celebrates after scoring his team's third goal against Barca
AFP

Before the international break for the FIFA World Cup, Los Blancos will host Cadiz at Santiago Bernabeu in a league game Thursday.

Meanwhile, the European draws took place on Monday and Barcelona drew Manchester United in their Europa play-offs, while Real Madrid drew against Liverpool FC for the Champions League's Round of 16. It is going to be a repeat of last season's Champions League final. Los Blancos defeated Jurgen Klopp's Reds 1-0 to clinch their 14th title.

Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez was not very pleased with his side's upcoming fixture against Manchester United.

"It is the most difficult opponent once again. But we will look forward to it. They are a historic side, they have grown a lot with the arrival of Erik ten Hag, they have great players. It's the worst draw we could have got. Once again. No luck," said Xavi.

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