Real Madrid returned to winning ways emphatically as José Mourinho’s side swept aside Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in another dominant home performance.
The victory extended Los Blancos’ remarkable unbeaten home record against Rayo dating back to January 1996 and moved Madrid level on points with Barcelona, albeit having played one game more.
Mbappé Sparks Madrid’s Fast Start
Real Madrid wasted little time imposing themselves on the contest. Álvaro Carreras won an early penalty after capitalizing on Florian Lejeune’s mistake, allowing Mbappé to convert from the spot calmly.
Only three minutes later, another Rayo error proved costly. Vinícius Júnior seized possession following Lejeune’s wayward backpass before Madrid quickly worked the ball through Mbappé to Carreras, who finished clinically to make it 2-0 inside 17 minutes.
Rayo goalkeeper Emil Audero, making his debut, prevented the deficit from growing immediately when he recovered from spilling Vinícius’ powerful strike to deny Mbappé.
Bellingham Makes It Three
Madrid’s attacking pressure eventually produced a third goal before half-time.
Vinícius drove at the Rayo defense before pulling the ball back for Jude Bellingham, whose controlled side-footed finish left the visitors with a mountain to climb.
Rayo had occasional opportunities of their own, but Madrid entered the interval firmly in control at 3-0.
Rayo Fight Back After the Break
The visitors emerged with greater purpose in the second half. Pedro Díaz provided the first major warning when his fierce effort struck the post with Thibaut Courtois beaten.
Rayo soon found their breakthrough after winning possession high up the pitch. The ball eventually reached Sergio Camello, whose clever toe-poked finish rolled beyond Courtois and into the far corner.
The goal extended Rayo’s scoring run to 12 consecutive LaLiga matches and briefly gave the visitors hope of an unlikely comeback.
Mbappé Seals 4-1 Victory
As Rayo committed more players forward, spaces inevitably opened for Madrid to exploit.
Mbappé delivered the decisive punishment late on, finishing a rapid counter-attack with precision to complete his brace and seal a comprehensive 4-1 Real Madrid victory.
It marked Mbappé’s 14th LaLiga brace for Real Madrid, further underlining his importance to Mourinho’s attack.
Bernabéu Remains a Fortress
Real Madrid have now lost only twice at home in LaLiga since the beginning of last season, posting an impressive W19, D1 record across the remaining fixtures.
Their dominance against Rayo at the Bernabéu is even more striking. Madrid remains unbeaten in this home H2H since January 1996, recording 16 wins and two draws.
Rayo’s away problems, meanwhile, continue. Los Franjirrojos have won only two of their last 16 LaLiga away matches, with four draws and ten defeats.
What the Result Means
For Real Madrid, this was precisely the response required after their previous league setback. Four goals, an Mbappé brace and another commanding Bernabéu performance keep Los Blancos firmly involved in the early LaLiga title battle alongside Barcelona.
Rayo showed courage after the break, but their defensive errors and Madrid’s ruthless finishing ultimately proved too costly.
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Final Score
Real Madrid 4-1 Rayo Vallecano
Scorers: Kylian Mbappé (2), Álvaro Carreras, Jude Bellingham | Sergio Camello
Real Madrid’s message at the Bernabéu was clear: after a setback, they can respond with authority. With Mbappé firing and their formidable home record intact, Los Blancos remain firmly in the hunt for LaLiga supremacy.
