LaLiga: Real Madrid Move Level with Barcelona After Hard-Fought Win Over Rayo

Real Madrid moved level with Barcelona at the top of LaLiga after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior scored crucial goals to propel Real Madrid to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu. This win marked Real Madrid's second in six LaLiga games, allowing them to capitalize on Barcelona's postponed match and Atletico Madrid's loss earlier in the day.

FT: #RealMadridRayo 2-1

Mbappé and Vini Jr. produce two moments of brilliance to claim victory for @realmadriden. ✅🤍#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/3rMYarv4KY

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 9, 2025

The triumph enabled Real Madrid to move level on points with LaLiga leaders Barcelona, creating a thrilling three-way title race with Atletico Madrid just a point adrift. With the weekend's results falling in their favor, Real Madrid seized the opportunity to join Barcelona at the top of the table, setting up an intense battle for the championship.

Following a poignant pre-match tribute, Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, began the match with a sense of purpose, clearly focused on securing a win ahead of their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

Job done at the Bernabéu. @realmadriden back on level points with Barça... 👀 pic.twitter.com/j48iVv1Sct

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 9, 2025

The visitors came close to breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute, as Rodrygo sprinted down the right flank before delivering a precise pass to the edge of the box. Vinicius Junior unleashed a powerful shot that cannoned off the post, narrowly missing the target.

Real Madrid maintained their momentum and eventually found the opening goal in the 30th minute. Kylian Mbappe was released down the left flank, capitalizing on a fortunate bobble to bury a clinical finish into the far corner of the net. The hosts quickly doubled their advantage, thanks to a dazzling display of individual skill by Vinicius Junior. Collecting the ball on the left, Vinicius embarked on a mazy run, weaving past Rayo defenders before calmly slotting the ball past Augusto Batalla.

Kylian Mbappe had an opportunity to effectively seal the win for Real Madrid shortly after their second goal, but he was denied by the Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper, Augusto Batalla. This reprieve allowed the visitors to reduce the deficit before halftime. Pedro Diaz capitalized on a quick one-two, unleashing a brilliant strike that rattled the crossbar and crept over the line. A lengthy VAR review ultimately confirmed the goal, giving Rayo a glimmer of hope.

The momentum shifted in favor of Rayo Vallecano following their late first-half goal. After the restart, Real Madrid struggled to dominate the game as they had in the opening stages. Mbappe had a chance to restore his team's two-goal advantage on 55 minutes, but he failed to replicate the clinical finishing he displayed in the first half, sending his effort wide of the post.

As the second half progressed, the action became increasingly scarce, with both teams creating limited scoring opportunities. The next notable effort came in the final quarter-hour, as Luka Modric delivered a low ball across the face of goal, which Vinicius Junior connected with, but his effort flew agonizingly wide. A lackluster second half ultimately drew to a close, with Real Madrid failing to hit the target and conceding over two-thirds of possession. Despite their dominance, Rayo Vallecano were unable to capitalize on their control of the game.

The outcome marked Real Madrid's fourth consecutive home win across all competitions, but their attention will now shift to the UEFA Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium.