Real Madrid got off to an absolutely atrocious start at home against La Liga new boys Rayo Vallecano, allowing their cross-town rivals to score a goal in the opening 15 seconds of the game, but they've recovered nicely to score twice and give themselves a 2-1 lead. After 30 minutes of brilliant play, Rayo have broken down a bit and allowed their opponents to get back into the game. Now, it's going to take nothing short of a miracle for Rayo to get a point out of this match.
Real Madrid Vs. Rayo Vallecano Live, 2011 La Liga: Halftime, Los Blancos Struggle But Fight To 2-1 Lead
The goal that came 15 seconds in was created by an awful giveaway by Lassana Diarra, who allowed Raul Tamudo to take the ball away, then fire a hard shot at goal. Iker Casillas saved, but couldn't hold on and Michu finished off the rebound to give his team a shock lead.
Jose Mourinho made a change in the 29th minute, subbing off Lassana Diarra for Mesut Özil and bringing Kaka back into a deeper role. That eventually worked wonders, as Kaka provided Cristiano with the assist for his 39th minute equalizer. Rayo gave the ball away with a bad throw in, allowing Madrid to counter and create a goal.
The go-ahead goal came in stoppage time, just before the whistle blew. Xabi Alonso delivered a fantastic set piece into the box to set up the goal, and Raul Albiol got his head to the ball to knock it into the path of Gonzalo Higuain. No one marked Pipita and he finished easily, giving Madrid a lead.
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