Rayo Vallecano Vs Real Madrid [0-0] – La Liga 2025/2026: Why Xabi Alonso Attacking Structure Fell Flat – Tactical Analysis

Real Madrid failed to secure a win against Rayo Vallecano in Gameweek 12 of the 2025/2026 La Liga season.

Rayo Vallecano ended Real Madrid’s four-game winning streak by holding them to a goalless draw at Estadio de Vallecas.

Los Blancos entered the game with a clear objective: to take all three points and strengthen their position at the top of the table.

Despite dropping two points, Real Madrid remain in first place, though Barcelona, sitting second, are now just three points behind.

This game also provided an opportunity for Real Madrid to bounce back after their trip to Anfield, where they had lost to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

“After the Anfield game, which is now behind us, today was one of those games that is a bit difficult to bring us back to the level we want to be at.  Xabi Alonso after the Rayo Vallecano game.

This tactical analysis examines how Real Madrid failed to achieve the desired result in this game.

Rayo Vallecano Vs Real Madrid Lineups & Formations

Xabi Alonso opened with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Thibaut Courtois starting in goal behind a back four of Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen at right and left centre-backs, as well as Federico Valverde and Álvaro Carreras as right and left full-backs.

The three in midfield were Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham, while Brahim Díaz played on the right wing with Vinícius Júnior on the left.

Kylian Mbappé occupied the centre-forward position.

Iñigo Pérez set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 too, with Augusto Batalla starting between the sticks.

Rayo Vallecano’s back four was Nobel Mendy and Florian Lejeune at right and left centre-back, with Pep Chavarría and Andrei Rațiu playing as left and right full-backs.

Their th