Los Blancos spurned multiple opportunities as they pushed Rayo back throughout the Santiago Bernabeu, but they were unable to produce the dramatic winner they so frequently do.
Madrid is now in second place following the draw, two points behind surprise leaders Girona, who defeated Osasuna by coming from behind, and two ahead of Barcelona following the Catalans’ amazing victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
In addition to starting Luka Modric in place of Toni Kroos, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti started holding midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who was injured, with the dynamic Eduardo Camavinga.
Real Madrid quickly put their neighbors to the test, keeping Stole Dimitrievski, the Macedonian goalkeeper for Rayo Vallecano, very busy.
After Rayo gave the ball away at the back, Fede Valverde broke through on goal, but he was thwarted by a fantastic save from him.
Jude Bellingham, who leads the league in goals scored with ten, gave Madrid a scare early on when he went down with a left shoulder injury.
The England international recovered and was able to continue playing after a few minutes.
On loan from Espanyol, striker Joselu missed the mark with his header from Luka Modric’s corner, and Fran Garcia, who Bellingham had done a great job of playing him in, missed the mark with his attempt.
Vinicius Junior cut the ball back to the Spain striker, Joselu, but Dimitrievski made an incredible save to deny him.
As the game neared its conclusion, the Brazilian winger became more and more involved. He scored in the 66th minute, but Joselu was flagged offside.
While Rayo was getting closer to the final whistle, substitute Rodrygo Goes missed the mark with a cross-shot.
