Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior scored first-half goals as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, moving them level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. The win intensifies the three-way title race, with only one point separating Barcelona (57, with a game in hand), Real Madrid (57), and Atletico Madrid (56), who lost 2-1 to Getafe earlier on Sunday.
Barcelona’s match against Osasuna on Saturday was postponed due to the sudden death of their team doctor, giving Real Madrid the opportunity to close the gap. They will play Atletico next Sunday.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti rested several key players, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rüdiger, with an eye on Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid. Despite the changes, Real Madrid controlled the match from the outset.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 30th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack. Vinícius Júnior doubled the lead four minutes later with a fine individual effort. Vinícius also struck the post with a shot from outside the box.
Rayo Vallecano reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time. Pedro Diaz scored with a spectacular strike from the edge of the area, the ball hitting the crossbar and bouncing over the line. VAR confirmed the goal after the referee initially did not award it.
The second half saw Real Madrid manage their lead effectively, while Rayo Vallecano, despite spirited efforts, lacked the cutting edge to truly threaten the hosts. The victory maintains Real Madrid’s title challenge, setting up a tense final stretch of the season.
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