Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Madrid: Lucas Vázquez’s Troubling Admission to Federico Valverde

Once again starting as a right-back in Saturday’s La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano, Lucas Vázquez, like his defensive teammates, delivered a lackluster performance.

Following the second goal conceded by Real Madrid, Vázquez reportedly made a troubling confession to Federico Valverde, highlighting the team’s growing sense of disarray.

Real Madrid missed a critical opportunity to reclaim the top spot in La Liga ahead of Barcelona’s match against Leganés.

Playing at Vallecas in the 17th round of the league, Carlo Ancelotti’s side got off to a disastrous start. Poor positioning, questionable tactical choices, and unexpected lineup decisions left Madrid struggling.

While Fran García was blamed for his role in the first goal, Lucas Vázquez also drew criticism for his lack of discipline in the buildup to Rayo Vallecano’s second.

A Revealing Exchange

During the game, an exchange between Lucas Vázquez and Federico Valverde shed light on the internal challenges plaguing the team.

After Rayo’s second goal in the 35th minute, Valverde, visibly frustrated, asked Vázquez, “What’s happening, Lucas?” To which Vázquez responded helplessly, “I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know, man, I don’t know what’s going on.”

This conversation, captured by TV cameras, symbolizes the defensive frailties and lack of cohesion within Real Madrid.

It reflects a broader issue that needs urgent attention if the team hopes to maintain its competitiveness in the title race.

Defensive Woes

Madrid’s defensive struggles extended beyond Vázquez. Aurélien Tchouaméni, once again deployed as a makeshift center-back alongside Antonio Rüdiger, was outpaced during the play that led to Rayo’s late equalizer (3-3). Meanwhile, Fran García continues to struggle in filling Ferland Mendy’s void, and Ancelotti’s insistence on Tchouaméni in defense, rather than trusting more natural options like Raúl Asensio, raises eyebrows.

The match also exposed Vázquez’s vulnerabilities. Frequently overwhelmed by Rayo’s pace, his inability to keep up with the opposition highlights Madrid’s need for defensive reinforcements.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, Federico Valverde tried to rally his team, scoring a stunning goal to cut the deficit and reignite Madrid’s hopes. His efforts, along with the team’s eventual comeback to secure a draw, momentarily masked the defensive chaos that defined the evening.

Real Madrid must address their defensive issues urgently if they aim to remain contenders for the league title. With growing pressure on Ancelotti to make necessary adjustments, the next few matches will be crucial in determining whether the team can stabilize and thrive.