Ancelotti defends Madrid efforts but frustrated by mistakes in Rayo draw

Carlo Ancelotti lamented Real Madrid's defensive errors after their 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga, though he maintains his players' effort levels were worthy of praise.

Madrid missed the chance to move above Barcelona at the top of LaLiga having fought from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 against their local rivals, courtesy of goals from Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.

Isi Palazon scored the sixth goal of the game as Madrid dropped points for the fourth time in their last five trips to Rayo (one win, two draws, two defeats).

It is the first time Los Blancos have dropped points on three successive trips to Vallecas in LaLiga, and they could now end the weekend four points adrift of Barca, who face Leganes on Sunday.

Third-placed Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, could overtake them if they triumph at home to Getafe.

"It was a complete game, which also included many errors, but I thought we didn't suffer as much as the final result would suggest," Ancelotti said at a press conference on Saturday.

"I was much more worried about those draws against Mallorca and Las Palmas... Now we have the attitude and commitment of last year and that is promising.

"I look ahead and I see a 2025 that is very positive, although I could be wrong. It's very good, with the players showing a lot of desire and enthusiasm.

"We're in the hunt for everything we're playing for. We're doing well, despite the many difficulties we've had due to injuries.

"Today we started without a lot of first-team players, up to seven. When they all come back, the team will be much better."

Defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will be sidelined for several months with anterior cruciate ligament tears suffered early in the season, while David Alaba is still to return from a similar injury, sustained last year.

Forward Kylian Mbappe, full-back Ferland Mendy and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga all have short-term injuries.

Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, started on the bench at Rayo, with Ancelotti defending that decision as necessary to protect the Brazilian after he recovered from a muscle injury.

"He was coming back from injury and we wanted to be careful with him. I thought he played a good game," Ancelotti said.

"It was hard to see my players giving more than they gave today. I see a good future ahead.

"On Wednesday we have to win the Intercontinental Cup, that would be the icing on the cake."