A late penalty from Kylian Mbappé earned Real Madrid a hard-fought victory over Rayo Vallecano, as the visitors finished the match with nine players following two red cards in a tense La Liga encounter.
The decisive moment came in the closing stages when Mbappé calmly converted from the spot after sustained pressure from Madrid forced a costly defensive error. The goal broke Rayo’s resistance and secured all three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Rayo had earlier frustrated Madrid with a disciplined display and physical intensity, keeping the score level for much of the contest despite being reduced to ten men after a second-half dismissal. Their situation worsened late on when a second player was sent off, leaving them stretched and vulnerable as Madrid pushed for a winner.
Real Madrid dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to find clear openings, with Rayo goalkeeper producing a series of saves to keep his side in contention. Mbappé, heavily marked for long periods, remained a constant threat and ultimately proved decisive when it mattered most.
The penalty capped a night of growing pressure from the hosts, who increased the tempo in the final quarter as numerical advantage told. Mbappé showed composure under pressure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Madrid the lead.
Rayo’s players protested the penalty decision, but the referee stood by the call, adding to the frustration of a night that saw discipline unravel for the visitors.
The win keeps Real Madrid firmly in the title race, maintaining momentum as the season enters a critical phase. For Rayo Vallecano, the defeat was compounded by the red cards, which will result in suspensions and complicate preparations for upcoming fixtures.
Ancelotti praised his team’s patience after the match, noting that “games like this are decided by small moments,” while acknowledging Rayo’s resilience despite being reduced to nine men.
As the final whistle blew, Madrid celebrated a narrow but important victory, one delivered by Mbappé’s nerve from the penalty spot when the pressure was highest.
