Kylian Mbappé kept his nerve to score a 100th-minute penalty and secure Real Madrid a dramatic 2-1 victory over nine-man Rayo Vallecano in a heated La Liga derby on Sunday.
The win cut Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to one point after the Catalans defeated Elche a day earlier, reports AFP.
Real Madrid struck first through Vinícius Júnior, who fired home in the 15th minute after neat footwork inside the area. The goal came shortly after a major setback for the hosts, with Jude Bellingham forced off early holding the back of his thigh in what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Despite Madrid’s dominance, the Santiago Bernabéu crowd remained restless following the club’s midweek Champions League defeat to Benfica, whistling the team at half-time.
Rayo Vallecano levelled four minutes into the second half when Álvaro García nodded a cross into the path of Jorge de Frutos, a former Madrid youth player, who drilled the ball past Thibaut Courtois.
The visitors nearly took the lead just after the hour mark as Andrei Rațiu raced through on goal, but Courtois produced a superb save to keep Madrid alive. Moments later, Mbappé struck the crossbar after Augusto Batalla rushed off his line.
The momentum swung Madrid’s way when Rayo midfielder Pathé Ciss was sent off for a reckless challenge on Dani Ceballos. Madrid pressed hard, with Eduardo Camavinga heading against the post as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.
Deep into nine minutes of stoppage time, Madrid were awarded a penalty after Nobel Mendy clumsily fouled Brahim Díaz. Mbappé calmly converted the spot-kick to claim his 22nd La Liga goal of the season and seal the win.
Rayo finished the match with nine men after Pep Chavarría received a second yellow card for shoving Rodrygo.
Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, in his sixth game since replacing Xabi Alonso, urged patience as he continues to build consistency.
“I’m not Gandalf the White,” Arbeloa said. “Quality isn’t enough. Consistency, mentality and attitude are key.”
He added that Bellingham would be a “big absence” if his injury proves serious, though the extent of the problem remains unclear.
Midfielder Federico Valverde said Madrid must continue to improve. “We need to grow as a team and be calmer. We can’t always wait for opponents to make mistakes,” he said.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Pablo Fornals scored the winner as Real Betis beat Valencia 2-1 to move up to fifth place.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
