Real Madrid player ratings vs Rayo Vallecano: Jude Bellingham can't be the hero every time! Joselu misfires on a quiet night for the England midfielder as Los Blancos settle for goalless draw

The Spanish striker missed a handful of good chances while his side's main man failed to impact the game

Joselu wasn't entirely to blame for Real Madrid's struggles against Rayo Vallecano. But when Carlo Ancelotti surveys his options, the 33-year-old striker is handed the unenviable task of being the impact man. And he was wasteful in front of goal on Sunday, epitomising his team's struggles as they settled for a frustrating 0-0 draw.

But he wasn't the only one culpable. Federico Valverde should have found the net inside five minutes after bursting through on goal, but Stole Dimitrievski read his shot to prevent an early wobble. Joselu also came close before the break, seeing a close range effort denied after crafty set up play from Vinicius Jr. Then, Bellingham clipped the bar to conclude an ultimately frustrating opening period for Los Blancos.

They continued to apply pressure after the break. Joselu missed again with a diving header. Vinicius had the ball in the net, but saw his goal ruled out after Joselu was caught offside in the build up. And ultimately, despite their 22 shots, Madrid were unable to find the net, leaving them two points behind Girona in the title race.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu...

Getty
Goalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):
Had nothing to do. Nice to keep a clean sheet, but the focus is at the other end of the pitch.
Dani Carvajal (6/10):
Scampered down the right with regularity, but never got into advanced areas enough to impact the game.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
Moved the ball well, kept Rayo's forwards quiet. Survived the late push from Radamel Falcao and Bebe. A silly late booking has him suspended for Madrid's next game.
David Alaba (6/10):
Much improved after a poor showing against Barcelona. Could have been better from dead ball situations, though.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Handed a start despite a shaky few weeks. Got forward and linked up with Vinicius. Much more effective when he doesn't have much defending to do.

Getty
Midfield
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
Started as a deeper lying midfielder with Aurelien Tchouameni injured. Fulfilled his defensive duties well and kept things moving in the middle.
Federico Valverde (6/10):
Squandered a massive chance in the first half, which was decisive in the end. Was impactful otherwise, causing problems with his pace and industry down the right side.
Luka Modric (6/10):
Impressive when he got on the ball, which really didn't happen enough. Looked tired after an hour. His lack of starts has him looking out of sorts.
Jude Bellingham (6/10):
Survived an injury scare after landing awkwardly on his shoulder. A wonderful piece of skill and shot almost broke the deadlock in the first half. Struggled to get involved thereafter.
Getty
Attack
Joselu (5/10):
Nodded narrowly wide in the first half. Missed again in the second and mistimed a run to see a goal ruled out. Not good enough as a backup.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
Excellent when matched up one-on-one, but his final ball was lacking. Too often asked to take on the whole defence himself. Had a goal correctly ruled out in the second half. A frustrating one for him.

Getty
Subs & Manager
Rodrygo (5/10):
Introduced with 20 minutes remaining. Ran a lot, but also lost the ball a lot.
Toni Kroos (5/10):
Tried to spray it around after being brought on, but some of his passing was uncharacteristically wayward.
Nacho (N/A):
Late defensive legs. Little time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):
Benched Rodrygo in favour of Joselu and handed Garcia a start against his former team. The big Spaniard was ineffective and Los Blancos never really got going. A frustrating one for the Italian.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager