Kylian Mbappe struck deep into stoppage time to hand Real Madrid a dramatic 2–1 victory over city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, keeping Carlo Ancelotti’s side firmly in the LaLiga title race and within one point of leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid made a strong start at the Santiago Bernabéu and were rewarded in the 16th minute when Vinicius Junior produced a brilliant solo goal, weaving past defenders before firing home to give the hosts an early advantage. The goal set the tone for a dominant first half, although Madrid failed to convert several promising chances.
Rayo Vallecano responded after the break and drew level early in the second half through Jorge de Frutos, who finished calmly to punish Madrid’s wastefulness. The equaliser shifted momentum and increased the tension inside the stadium as the hosts struggled to find a decisive breakthrough.
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Madrid’s night was further complicated when Jude Bellingham was forced off after just nine minutes with a suspected hamstring injury, adding to Ancelotti’s concerns. Despite hitting the post more than once and creating a series of clear openings, Real Madrid looked set to drop valuable points.
The turning point finally arrived in the 100th minute when Brahim Diaz was brought down inside the penalty area. Mbappe stepped up under intense pressure and calmly converted from the spot, sending the Bernabéu into celebration and sealing a crucial late win.
The match ended in chaos for Rayo Vallecano, who finished with nine men following two red cards in the closing moments. The result allowed Real Madrid to bounce back from their midweek Champions League setback and continue applying pressure on Barcelona as the LaLiga title race intensified.
