Real Madrid held to high-scoring draw in La Liga

Barcelona, AP: Real Madrid was held at Rayo Vallecano to 3-3 in a thrilling derby, missing a chance to overtake Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Rayo set a fast pace and stunned the powerhouse with two headed goals from Unai López and Abdul Mumin to lead 2-0 by the 36th minute. Federico Valverde struck with a powerful shot from well outside the area to pull one back for Madrid then Jude Bellingham headed the visitors level from a pass by Rodrygo just before halftime.

Madrid looked on course to completing a comeback win when Rodrygo put them in front for the first time with a deflected shot in the 56th. But Rayo midfield leader Isi Palazón stretched out a boot to steer Florian Lejeune's shot past Thibaut Courtois in the 64th. Madrid was without striker Kylian Mbappé, who is nursing a left-thigh injury. Vinícius Júnior went on as a second-half substitute. Goalie Augusto Batalla saved the Brazilian's best effort in the final period.

Ancelotti satisfied- Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team dropped its guard in defense when his players left López and Mumin unchecked to turn in crosses. But he said he was”satisfied” with his team's reaction, especially given the injuries to defensive starters Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy. He also looked to last season, when his team drew twice with Rayo.

Navas farewells Sevilla fans- Sevilla's Jesus Navas bid farewell to his home fans during a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo as he nears the end of his 20-year playing career. Players from both teams wore T-shirts saying”Navas Legend” before kickoff. They gave a tearful Navas an honor guard with trophies he won with the club placed on the pitch.