MADRID, Spain – Real Madrid pulled off a late 2-1 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé settled it with a penalty in the 100th minute, keeping Los Blancos close in the title race. After Barcelona won earlier in the day, Madrid’s victory cut the gap at the top to one point.
Real Madrid had to adjust early when Jude Bellingham went off with what looked like a hamstring problem. Brahim Díaz came on in his place.
Even with that change, Madrid struck first in the 15th minute. Vinícius Júnior picked up the ball on the left, cut inside, and bent a right-footed shot into the top corner. Federico Valverde set it up, and the goal ended Vinícius’ La Liga drought while lifting the home crowd.
Rayo Hit Back After the Break
Rayo Vallecano stayed competitive and made it 1-1 soon after halftime. In the 48th minute, Jorge de Frutos took advantage of a mistake at the back and finished with a left-footed shot from the middle of the box.
Rayo’s confidence grew, and they pushed forward in spells. Thibaut Courtois had to be sharp, stepping in with big saves, including one on a breakaway that kept Madrid level.
The second half got messy as Rayo ended up with nine men. Pathe Ciss saw red first, then Pep Chavarria was sent off later for a second yellow after shoving Rodrygo.
Madrid had the numbers, but not the rhythm. Rayo packed in and defended deep, and Madrid’s chances didn’t fall cleanly. Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga both hit the woodwork as the clock ran down.
Stoppage-Time Chaos, Then Mbappé Keeps His Cool
In the 10th minute of added time, the game finally swung Madrid’s way. Nobel Mendy brought down Brahim Díaz in the box with a reckless challenge, and the referee pointed straight to the spot.
Mbappé took the penalty and stayed calm, sliding a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner. It was his 22nd league goal of the season, and it gave Real Madrid a dramatic 2-1 win.
Match Highlights
- 15′: Vinícius Júnior curls in a superb opener (1-0).
- 48′: Jorge de Frutos levels it after halftime (1-1).
- 79′: Pathe Ciss is sent off, Rayo down to 10.
- Late second half: Pep Chavarria gets a second yellow, Rayo down to nine.
- 90+10′: Kylian Mbappé converts a penalty to win it (2-1).
What the Result Means
The win makes it six straight La Liga victories for Real Madrid under interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa, even if the performance dipped for stretches. The bigger concern is Bellingham’s injury, which could affect the next run of games.
For Rayo Vallecano, the loss adds more pressure in the relegation fight. Their effort was strong, but the late collapse left them empty-handed.
Real Madrid Squad Overview (Key Performers)
| Player | Position | Key Contribution | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thibaut Courtois | Goalkeeper | Big saves that kept Madrid alive | 8.0 |
| Federico Valverde | Midfielder | Assist, constant work-rate, key clearances | 8.5 |
| Vinícius Júnior | Forward | Goal, main attacking threat | 8.0 |
| Kylian Mbappé | Forward | Match-winning penalty | 7.5 |
| Brahim Díaz | Midfielder | Drew the penalty after coming on | 7.0 |
Rayo Vallecano Squad Overview (Key Performers)
| Player | Position | Key Contribution | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge de Frutos | Forward | Took his goal well to make it 1-1 | 7.5 |
| Pathe Ciss | Midfielder | Red card changed the game | – |
| Pep Chavarria | Defender | Second yellow left Rayo with nine | – |
| Batalla | Goalkeeper | Solid for long spells, beaten late | 6.5 |
Late Drama Keeps the Title Race Tight
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano had almost everything, an early injury, a momentum swing, two send-offs, and a penalty at the end. Madrid didn’t have their best night, but they found the one moment that mattered, and La Liga’s title race stays tight.
