The match held at the Santiago Bernabéu saw Real Madrid claiming vital points in the league. The home team took the lead in the first half with a goal just 15 minutes into the game following a well-crafted play.
However, Rayo Vallecano fought back in the second half, finding the equalizer early in the period when Jorge de Frutos netted a goal in the 48th minute. Yet, the visitors’ joy was short-lived as Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty in the 54th minute, sealing the match at 2-1 for Real Madrid.
During the match, Kylian Mbappé was instrumental for his side, almost changing the game with two attempts hitting the post. Ultimately, he was named the standout player after scoring one goal, registering four shots on target and completing 17 passes successfully.
Vinicius Júnior also shined, adding another goal to and combining well with Mbappé, as he recorded three shots on goal and completed 39 accurate passes.
Head coach Álvaro Árbeloa set up Real Madrid in a 4-3-3 formation with Thibaut Courtois in goal and a defensive lineup featuring Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Eduardo Camavinga. In midfield, Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham commanded the game, while Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinicius Júnior led the attack.
On the other end, Rayo Vallecano, managed by Iñigo Perez, adopted a 4-5-1 setup, with Augusto Batalla guarding the net, and a defense made up of Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Nobel Mendy, and Pep Chavarría. The midfield was anchored by Pathé Ciss, Gerard Gumbau, Ilias Akhomach, Isaac Palazón, and Álvaro García, with Jorge de Frutos as the lone forward.
Match referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos officiated what was a gripping contest. This victory lifts Real Madrid to 54 points, maintaining their position in second place, while Rayo Vallecano remains in 17th place with 22 points.
In the upcoming fixtures, Real Madrid will face Valencia away, whereas Rayo Vallecano will host Real Oviedo.
Real Madrid Substitutions
45’ 2T – Raúl Asencio off for Dani Ceballos
59’ 2T – Franco Mastantuono off for Gonzalo García
76’ 2T – Dean Huijsen off for David Alaba and Arda Güler off for Rodrygo
9’ 1T – Jude Bellingham off for Brahim Díaz
Yellow Cards for Real Madrid:
23’ 2T – Dani Ceballos (Unsporting behavior)
37’ 2T – Vinicius Júnior (Arguing with an opponent)
Rayo Vallecano Substitutions
55’ 2T – Gerard Gumbau off for Óscar Valentín and Jorge de Frutos off for Pedro Díaz
77’ 2T – Álvaro García off for Luis Alfonso Espino
82’ 2T – Isaac Palazón off for Luiz Felipe and Ilias Akhomach off for Carlos Martín
Yellow Cards for Rayo Vallecano:
8’ 2T – Gerard Gumbau (Unsporting behavior)
12’ 2T – Pep Chavarría (Unsporting behavior)
19’ 2T – Isaac Palazón (Unsporting behavior)
26’ 2T – Óscar Valentín (Unsporting behavior)
37’ 2T – Augusto Batalla (Delaying the game)
37’ 2T – Ilias Akhomach (Arguing with an opponent)
54’ 2T – Luis Alfonso Espino (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
Red Cards for Rayo Vallecano:
35’ 2T – Pathé Ciss (Direct red)
58’ 2T – Pep Chavarría (Second yellow card)