Real Madrid were fortunate to come away with all three points when they beat nine-man Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at the Estadio Bernabeu on Sunday. Kylian Mbappe scored a 90+10th-minute penalty to spur Alvaro Arbeloa's blushes amid a questionable team selection.
Arbeloa opted to continue with Franco Mastantuono on the right wing and this didn't go down well with fans, especially with Rodrygo named on the bench. There wasn't much of a positive reaction to the midweek 4-2 loss to Benfica despite Vinicius Junior's 15th-minute opener.
Jude Bellingham was also forced off early on with a hamstring injury which piled more misery on the Madrid side. The whistles of angry Madridistas were heard throughout the game and worsened when Jorge de Frutos netted a 49th-minute equaliser.
The visitors were reduced to ten men when Pathe Cisse was sent off in the 80th minute. Rayo nearly held on for a point but a late penalty from Mbappe ensured his side remained a point behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Arbeloa handed wake up call over creative-less midfield
The midfield has been a problem area for Madrid this season, especially a lack of creative playmaking presence. Xabi Alonso had turned to Dani Ceballos during the early months of his reign and the Spaniard performed well.
Ceballos' game time has decreased under Arbeloa and he had to wait until the 69th minute before coming on against Rayo. He had a clear impact in the middle of the park and reminded his manager about the creativity he can offer.
The 29-year-old made two key passes, four progressive carries, and completed all three of his long ball attempts. He played an important role in his side's win as he drove the team forward when they were chasing a much-needed winner.
Arbeloa surely must now consider leaning on the Spanish midfielder for more creativity as his side remain in the La Liga title picture. He has appeared 19 times across competitions but only started four La Liga games.
Dani Ceballos' future in doubt
Ceballos dropped down the pecking order under Arbeloa and the Spaniard's decision to bring Jorge Cestero on from the bench against Benfica midweek spoke volumes. He has been linked with a move away and was thought to be an option for Premier League club Aston Villa before they re-signed Douglas Luiz.
The Spaniard has been at the Estadio Bernabeu since 2017 but never truly become the household name some envisioned. But he is a reliable midfield option who is good on the ball and can play in various roles including in attacking midfield and as a holding midfielder.