Kylian Mbappé scored a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to give Real Madrid a hard-fought La Liga victory over nine-man Rayo Vallecano, in a match overshadowed by Jude Bellingham’s early injury and packed with late controversy.
The decisive moment arrived deep into added time when Nobel Mendy fouled Brahim Díaz in the penalty area in the 100th minute. Mbappé stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sealing Real Madrid’s sixth consecutive league win and moving Carlo Ancelotti’s side to within one point of league leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Real Madrid had taken the lead early in the first half through Vinícius Júnior, just minutes after Jude Bellingham was forced to leave the pitch with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. The England international was visibly distraught, falling to the ground and clutching the back of his left thigh, although he was later seen walking unaided, offering some relief to Real Madrid fans.
Vinícius Junior opened the scoring with a moment of brilliance, cutting in from the left flank and curling a sublime shot into the corner. However, Rayo Vallecano grew in confidence as the half progressed, with Pep Chavarría coming close to equalising just before the break when he lashed a shot over the crossbar, causing frustration among the home supporters.
Rayo Vallecano’s persistence paid off shortly after half-time. Jorge de Frutos levelled the match with a composed first-time finish, sweeping in a knock-down from Álvaro García. The visitors nearly took the lead moments later, but Thibaut Courtois reacted sharply, using his feet to deny Andrei Rațiu in a crucial one-on-one situation.
Real Madrid pushed forward in search of a winner, creating numerous chances. Mbappé was unlucky not to score after rounding goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, only to see his effort strike the crossbar. Eduardo Camavinga also went close when his header crashed against the post, as Real’s frustration continued to grow.
The match took another dramatic turn with 10 minutes of normal time remaining when Rayo Vallecano were reduced to 10 men. Pathe Cissé was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Dani Ceballos, catching the midfielder on the left ankle. Despite having a numerical advantage, Real Madrid struggled to break down the resilient visitors.
Late pressure from the hosts appeared to be heading for nothing until the crucial moment in stoppage time. Nobel Mendy’s clumsy challenge on Brahim Díaz inside the box handed Real Madrid a lifeline, and Mbappé made no mistake, scoring his 22nd goal of the La Liga season from the penalty spot.
Tempers flared again in the dying seconds, with Rayo Vallecano reduced to nine men when Pep Chavarría received a second yellow card for pushing Rodrygo in the 103rd minute.
The final whistle confirmed a dramatic and vital win for Real Madrid as they continue their pursuit of the La Liga title. Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, remain just one point and one place above the relegation zone, with pressure mounting as the season progresses.