Real Madrid claimed an important 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, thanks to first-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. This win helped them draw level at the top of the LaLiga table in a tightly contested title race.
Match Summary
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti rested key players, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger, ahead of their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. Despite the changes, Real dominated the game at the Bernabeu.
Mbappe put Madrid ahead in the 30th minute with a well-taken counterattack goal. Just four minutes later, Vinicius Junior doubled the lead with a brilliant solo effort. He nearly added another but hit the post with a powerful strike.
Rayo Vallecano pulled one back in stoppage time before halftime when Pedro DÃaz’s long-range shot hit the crossbar and bounced over the line. Initially not given, VAR confirmed the goal.
In the second half, Real Madrid managed their lead well, holding off Rayo’s attacks to secure all three points.
Match Statistics
| Stat | Real Madrid (RMA) | Rayo Vallecano (RAY) |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 45.8% | 54.2% |
| Shots on Goal | 5 | 6 |
| Shot Attempts | 10 | 20 |
| Fouls | 12 | 17 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 4 | 6 |
| Saves | 5 | 3 |
Madrid’s win keeps the LaLiga title race extremely close, with only one point separating the top three teams. Their focus now shifts to the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
LaLiga Standings After the Match
- Barcelona: 57 points (1st place, game in hand)
- Real Madrid: 57 points (2nd place, behind on goal difference)
- Atletico Madrid: 56 points (3rd place, lost to Getafe 2-1 earlier on Sunday)
Barcelona’s match against Osasuna was postponed due to the sudden passing of their team doctor. They will face Atletico Madrid next Sunday.
