Real Madrid held to a goalless draw

Recent form and context

The Royal Club had recently returned from a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League fourth round. Prior to the match against Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid had won four consecutive league games, including a victory over Barcelona that put them six points ahead before Barcelona’s match against Celta Vigo later the same day.

Standings after the match

With the draw, Real Madrid increased their total to 31 points at the top of the La Liga table, five points ahead of second-placed Villarreal, who defeated Espanyol on Saturday. Rayo Vallecano earned their 15th point, temporarily placing them twelfth.