Mbappe scores late penalty to keep Real Madrid in title race

Real Madrid edged past struggling Rayo Vallecano with a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu, sealed by a stoppage-time penalty from Kylian Mbappé that kept them within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona. 

In a tense and often frustrating afternoon for the hosts, Mbappé’s late intervention proved decisive after Rayo had threatened to leave Madrid with an unlikely point.

Vinícius Júnior gave Real Madrid the lead after 15 minutes, finishing calmly after being set up by Brahim Díaz. 

The home side dominated possession in the first half but failed to build on their advantage, while concerns grew when Jude Bellingham was forced off inside the opening 10 minutes with a hamstring injury.

Rayo Vallecano struck back shortly after the break as Jorge de Frutos equalised in the 49th minute, finishing a swift move assisted by Álvaro García. 

The goal stunned the Bernabéu and shifted the momentum, with Rayo defending deep and frustrating Madrid as the hosts struggled to turn territorial dominance into clear chances.

The visitors’ task became harder in the 80th minute when midfielder Pathé Ciss was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Dani Ceballos. 

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Rayo continued to resist, aided by time-wasting and disciplined defending, while Eduardo Camavinga struck the post and Rodrygo missed a late opportunity.

Deep into stoppage time, Real Madrid finally found their breakthrough. Brahim Díaz was brought down in the area by Nobel Mendy, and Mbappé stepped up to send goalkeeper Augusto Batalla the wrong way from the penalty spot, scoring his 22nd league goal of the season in the 100th minute. 

Further drama followed as Pep Chavarría was sent off for Rayo after receiving a second yellow card.

The final whistle was met with a mixture of relief and dissatisfaction among the home supporters. Real Madrid dominated the second half and created enough chances to win more comfortably, but were made to work until the very end. 

The victory keeps Álvaro Arbeloa’s side firmly in the title race, though questions remain about their performance despite the crucial three points.