Real Madrid keeps the pressure on LaLiga leaders Barcelona with a strong 2-1 home win against Rayo Vallecano.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr scored in the first half, securing a comfortable 2-1 win for Real Madrid against their neighbors Rayo Vallecano. This victory allowed Real Madrid to tie for the lead at the top of the table, intensifying the competition to retain their LaLiga title.
In one of the closest title races in recent years, only one point separates Spain’s three biggest clubs. Barcelona leads with 57 points, narrowly ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atletico Madrid is in third place with 56 points after their 2-1 loss against Getafe earlier on Sunday.
Barcelona, who will face Atletico next weekend, have a game in hand after their match against Osasuna was postponed due to the sudden death of their team doctor.
Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti rested several key starters against Rayo Vallecano, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Ruediger, ahead of the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Despite the rest, Real Madrid dominated the match from the start at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
They secured a two-goal lead with quick successive strikes, as Mbappe finished a counter in the 30th minute and Vinicius extended their advantage with an impressive individual goal just four minutes later.
Vinicius also hit the post with a powerful shot from outside the box that could have further extended their lead.
Rayo reduced the deficit in added time before the break with a remarkable strike from the edge of the area by Pedro Diaz. The initial goal was not given by the referee but was awarded after a VAR review.
In the second half, Real Madrid managed their lead against a determined Rayo Vallecano side that fought hard and created good chances but lacked the firepower to pose a significant threat to the LaLiga champions.
In one of the closest title races in recent years, only one point separates Spain’s three biggest clubs. Barcelona leads with 57 points, narrowly ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atletico Madrid is in third place with 56 points after their 2-1 loss against Getafe earlier on Sunday.
Barcelona, who will face Atletico next weekend, have a game in hand after their match against Osasuna was postponed due to the sudden death of their team doctor.
Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti rested several key starters against Rayo Vallecano, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Ruediger, ahead of the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Despite the rest, Real Madrid dominated the match from the start at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
They secured a two-goal lead with quick successive strikes, as Mbappe finished a counter in the 30th minute and Vinicius extended their advantage with an impressive individual goal just four minutes later.
Vinicius also hit the post with a powerful shot from outside the box that could have further extended their lead.
Rayo reduced the deficit in added time before the break with a remarkable strike from the edge of the area by Pedro Diaz. The initial goal was not given by the referee but was awarded after a VAR review.
In the second half, Real Madrid managed their lead against a determined Rayo Vallecano side that fought hard and created good chances but lacked the firepower to pose a significant threat to the LaLiga champions.
