Rayo Vallecano 2-3 Real Madrid: 5 talking points

3) Real Madrid should avoid cheap defensive mistakes

Real Madrid’s defence in the early stages was in no man’s land

For the best part of 70 minutes after the initial hara-kiri, the visitors maintained good discipline in the backline and also defended with a sense of robustness. Rayo Vallecano were kept at bay by some sound defending from Madrid, but it was in the initial 20 minutes of the match where the vulnerabilities existing in them came to the fore.

The first goal was a result of lethargy from the Madrid defenders as Bebe was allowed put up a cross for Embarba to tap home from 6 yards. The second one was worked through a corner, but poor man marking allowed Miku to double the advantage.

Real’s defence was in utter shambles in both situations, only to regroup subsequently. However, such mistakes should be avoided as it can cost them big time in crucial games. With the Champions League fixture against Manchester City up next, a repeat of such defensive errors may see them get driven out of the competition.