Mbappé’s last-minute penalty secures 2-1 win for Real Madrid over Rayo Vallecano

Kylian Mbappé came to the rescue for Real Madrid with a dramatic penalty in the 100th minute, clinching a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and keeping the team just one point behind league leaders Barcelona .

The victory at the Santiago Bernabeu was set up earlier by Vinícius Júnior , who scored in the 15th minute despite being jeered by the home crowd. Vinícius weaved past defenders before curling a precise right-footed shot into the top corner, earning applause from fans who had booed him earlier. Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham , also booed during the lineup announcement, was forced to leave the match after 10 minutes due to a left hamstring injury. He was replaced by Brahim Díaz , who later assisted Vinícius’ goal and drew the foul that led to Mbappé’s decisive penalty.

Rayo Vallecano, playing a man down after Pathé Ciss was sent off in the 80th minute, equalized early in the second half through Jorge De Frutos . They nearly stole a point, but Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save during a one-on-one in the 64th minute. Mbappé had earlier missed an open net in the 68th minute, hitting the crossbar, before calmly converting the penalty in stoppage time for his eighth goal in five matches .

Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa , who took over from Xabi Alonso last month, praised his team’s effort. “It was a victory in which the players put a lot of energy, their soul. We needed the help of the fans and without their push we would not have achieved it,” he said.

The win provides Madrid some momentum after a 4-2 loss at Benfica , which had seen them drop out of the automatic spots for the Champions League round of 16. Bellingham’s injury, however, raises doubts over his availability for the upcoming Champions League playoffs against Benfica .

Elsewhere in La Liga, the Basque Country derby ended in a 1-1 draw as Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta rescued a point for Athletic Bilbao against Real Sociedad , who had been reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute. Real Betis climbed to fifth place with an 88th-minute winner from Pablo Fornals against Valencia , while Celta Vigo and Getafe played out a goalless draw.