Kylian Mbappé‘s penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time clinched a thrilling 2-1 win for Real Madrid against struggling Rayo Vallecano, narrowing Barcelona’s gap at the top of LaLiga.
With time running out, a wild clearance from Nobel Mendy brought down Brahim Díaz in a crowded penalty area, setting up Mbappé to score his 22nd league goal this season.
Vinícius Júnior had opened the scoring with a goal in the 15th minute, only for Jorge de Frutos to equalize right after half-time.
Rayo finished the match with nine players after red cards were issued to Pathé Ciss and Pep Chavarría. Ciss was sent off for a reckless challenge on Dani Ceballos, while Chavarría received a second yellow card in stoppage time for fouling Rodrygo.
This Madrid derby was eventful for Real, who also lost Jude Bellingham to a suspected hamstring injury.
This last-minute victory means Real are just a point behind Barcelona after 22 league matches, while Rayo remains in 17th place, just above the relegation zone.
Real’s defensive vulnerabilities were highlighted in their recent Champions League defeat to Benfica and showed again at the Bernabeu.
Rayo nearly scored first when Ilias Akhomach shot just wide before Bellingham had to leave the field early, visibly frustrated.
Vinícius broke his scoreless streak in LaLiga dating back to October 4 with a stunning goal. He dribbled into the box before lifting the ball over Augusto Batalla into the top corner from 16 yards out.
Batalla prevented Real from doubling their lead with a great diving save against Arda Güler, while Vinícius missed the follow-up.
Álvaro García threatened Thibaut Courtois with a close-range shot before Rayo equalized shortly afterward.
De Frutos found the net from a clever knockdown by García, leaving Courtois with no chance.
Real grew frustrated as claims for penalties against Mbappé and Vinicius were denied, but they nearly fell behind when Andrei Ratiu broke free, only to be thwarted by Courtois.
The action didn’t slow as Mbappé weaved past Batalla from 25 yards out, only to see his shot crash against the crossbar.
A reckless tackle from Ciss led to Rayo going down to 10 players, and Real struck the woodwork again when Eduardo Camavinga headed Ceballos’ cross onto the post.
Batalla denied Rodrygo from close range deep into stoppage time, but Real’s relief came when Mbappé remained calm to convert the penalty.