Real Madrid were heavy favourites to beat Rayo Vallecano away from home in the Sunday afternoon La Liga clash.

The Los Blancos got an early lead through Joselu, but were pegged back midway through the half following a penalty decision.

Carlo Ancelotti has blamed the penalty and a few other incidents during the game as reason for the draw.

Speaking at full-time, Ancelotti told the media: “In the first half we started very well. We were good on the ball, we got a goal and we could’ve scored another.

“Until the penalty we did everything great. After that the game changed, there was more fighting and a lot more interruptions.

“It wasn’t that easy to create chances in a situation like that. We fought hard and ended up with a draw. We’re not happy, but we’re in a good position. We’re calm and relaxed.”

He concluded: “After the equaliser everything changed. It was the kind of match we don’t like, full of fights and interruptions.

“We have to accept it because sometimes matches are like that. What’s important is that we fought and competed until the end. We want to win every game, but to win the league you can’t lose the games you can’t win. Sometimes there are draws that hurt, but they can be a positive step towards winning the  league.”

Real Madrid could only settle for a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano.