Real Madrid bounced back from their previous defeat with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, moving level on points with Barcelona in La Liga. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, while Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carreras were also on target as Jose Mourinho’s side produced a commanding performance.
The victory came after Real had suffered defeat against Real Betis in their previous league outing. Against neighbouring Rayo, however, they quickly put that setback behind them, taking control of the contest with three goals before half-time.
Real made the breakthrough in the 14th minute from the penalty spot. Florian Lejeune brought down Carreras inside the area, giving the home side the opportunity to take an early lead. Mbappe stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper Emil Audero the wrong way to make it 1-0.
Mbappe was involved again when Real doubled their advantage. Vinicius Junior’s pressure forced Lejeune into losing possession, after which Mbappe exchanged passes before Carreras finished the move and found the net.
The match also marked a first start for Ian Diomande, Real’s record-value signing. The youngster showed his pace by carrying the ball into the area from the right, but his effort flew well over the crossbar.
Real continued to threaten and added a third before the interval. Vinicius worked his way forward from the left and supplied Bellingham, who made no mistake with the finish. It was the England midfielder’s third goal of the season and another indication of his influential form.
Mbappe then came close to adding a fourth when a long-range effort struck the post. At the other end, Rayo tried to create openings, but Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied Pedro Diaz.
Rayo came out with greater urgency after the break and Diaz struck the post early in the second half as the visitors looked for a way back into the match.
Their pressure finally produced a goal in the 51st minute. Camello dispossessed Vinicius before beating Courtois to reduce the deficit to 3-1. The goal was his sixth of the season, putting him level with Barcelona’s Raphinha and Mbappe at the top of the league’s scoring chart at that stage.
Rayo, who began the match 15th in the standings, created further opportunities as they attempted to make the contest closer. Courtois was again called upon, saving efforts from Giorgi Gocholeishvili and Lejeune to preserve Real’s two-goal cushion.
Mourinho responded by introducing Turkish midfielder Arda Guler as Real sought to regain control in midfield and prevent Rayo from building further momentum.
The change paid off late in the match. In stoppage time, Guler provided the assist for Mbappe, who completed his brace with a low, angled finish. The goal sealed a 4-1 victory and took Mbappe’s tally for the season to seven goals across all competitions.
The result keeps the title race finely poised. Barcelona, the reigning champions, were due to face Levante away on Sunday, with the Catalan side having won all their matches so far this season. A victory would allow them to move ahead of Real Madrid again and maintain their perfect start.
Real Madrid’s next league fixture is away to Elche on Tuesday. Rayo Vallecano will also return to action that day, hosting Espanyol.
There were three other La Liga fixtures on Saturday. Racing Santander defeated third-placed Alaves 2-1, Espanyol secured a 2-0 away victory over Osasuna, while Athletic Bilbao were held to a 1-1 draw by Elche at home.
