Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior scored to help Real Madrid defeat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday, moving them level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The victory allowed Carlo Ancelotti’s side to leapfrog Atletico Madrid, who were unexpectedly beaten 2-1 by Getafe earlier in the day. Barcelona’s match was postponed due to the death of a club doctor.
Real Madrid produced a solid, if not spectacular, performance against their local rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Mbappe opening the scoring after 30 minutes and Vinicius doubling the lead four minutes later.
Rayo Vallecano, who were missing several key players, including Jorge de Frutos and Isi Palazon, fought back with a goal in stoppage time before the break through Santi Diaz.
Despite some second-half chances, Madrid held firm to secure a crucial win ahead of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Ancelotti made several changes to the starting lineup, bringing Jude Bellingham back after suspension, while resting several key players ahead of the upcoming Champions League derby.
“We did well in the first half, and we defended the 2-1 lead in the second,” said Ancelotti. “Mbappe and Vinicius scored spectacular goals, and they had chances for a third.”
Madrid have now won only two of their last six league matches, but Ancelotti remains focused on the big challenges ahead.
