Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, with Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior scoring the goals that saw them pull level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. The victory also allowed them to jump one point above Atletico Madrid, who were unexpectedly beaten 2-1 by Getafe earlier in the day.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side, while not spectacular, showed solid play to overcome their local rivals. The coach made several changes ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Jude Bellingham returned to the starting lineup after suspension, but Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger were both absent due to injury and illness, respectively. They are expected to return for the upcoming Champions League match.
Ancelotti also started Mbappé, Vinicius, and Rodrygo Goes, but left Fede Valverde on the bench as he recovered from a minor injury. Rayo Vallecano, though missing key players, gave a good account of themselves and threatened in the first half.
Vinicius had a chance early on, hitting the post, but Madrid took the lead after half an hour when Mbappé scored following a pass from Vinicius. Just four minutes later, Vinicius doubled the advantage with a well-taken goal. Despite Mbappé having a chance for a third, his shot was saved.
Rayo Vallecano pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time with a stunning shot from Diaz, which was confirmed as a goal after a VAR review. In the second half, Real Madrid had a few chances but showed some indecision in the final third, with both Mbappé and Vinicius sometimes opting to shoot rather than pass to each other.
With the Champions League in mind, Ancelotti made substitutions, taking off Rodrygo and Mbappé to rest them, with Bellingham also coming off late in the game. This marked only their second win in their last six league matches.
The win puts Madrid in a good position ahead of the big Champions League clash. How do you think the team will fare against Atletico Madrid in the upcoming match?
