Real Madrid’s title coronation was put on hold on Sunday evening as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Rayo Vallecano side at the Estadio de Vallecas. The result leaves the La Liga title race wide open, with Girona and Barcelona breathing down Los Blancos’ necks.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men started brightly, taking the lead through Joselu in the 3rd minute. However, Rayo Vallecano refused to lie down, and Raúl de Tomás converted a penalty in the 27th minute to level the score. The second half was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the winner.

The drama was heightened when Dani Carvajal received a red card in injury time, leaving Real Madrid a man down. Despite the numerical disadvantage, they held on for a point, but the draw could prove costly in the long run.

This result opens up the title race, with Girona just six points behind Real Madrid and Barcelona eight adrift, both with a game in hand. The pressure is now on Ancelotti’s men to respond quickly and regain momentum.