Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-1 to extend their winning streak to seven matches in Spain's La Liga.
Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 in their 22nd round home match at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid on Saturday. With the seventh consecutive victory, Real Madrid accumulated 54 points (17 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses), closing the gap to just one point behind league leaders Barcelona (55 points). Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, fell to their third straight defeat and remained in 17th place with 22 points (5 wins, 7 draws, 10 losses).
Real Madrid faced adversity early in the match. Key midfielder Jude Bellingham left the field with left thigh pain in the 10th minute. While he walked off the pitch on his own, the extent of his injury has not yet been disclosed.
Vinícius Júnior steadied the team when momentum could have slipped away. Just five minutes after Bellingham's departure, the Brazilian winger dribbled into the penalty area, beat defenders with dazzling footwork, and curled a right-footed shot into the net. However, Real Madrid conceded an equalizer to Jorge de Frutos just four minutes into the second half, making it 1-1.
The two sides engaged in an intense battle until Rayo Vallecano's Pathe Ciss was sent off for a reckless tackle in the 70th minute, tilting the balance in Real Madrid's favor. Despite their numerical advantage, Real Madrid struggled to break through until a penalty kick deep into stoppage time sealed the victory. Striker Kylian Mbappé calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to secure the 2-1 win.