Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano: Match Report & Player Ratings as Mbappe & Vinicius Jr Fire Hosts Above Atletico

Real Madrid Leapfrog Atletico Madrid in La Liga Table

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu, climbing to second place in La Liga, above Atletico Madrid.

Despite a less-than-convincing performance, Carlo Ancelotti’s side showcased their firepower with quick goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior in the first half. Pedro Diaz pulled one back for Rayo Vallecano, but Madrid held on to secure a crucial three points.

With this win, Los Blancos moved level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table, capitalizing on Atletico Madrid’s slip-up against Getafe earlier in the day.

How the Match Unfolded

Vinicius Junior Hits the Post Early

The game began with Real Madrid on the front foot, and it didn’t take long for them to threaten Rayo Vallecano’s defense.

• In the 6th minute, Vinicius Junior came close to opening the scoring, but his powerful effort rattled the post.
• Rayo Vallecano responded with high pressing, making it difficult for Madrid to build from the back.

Despite Rayo’s intensity, Real Madrid looked comfortable in possession, waiting for the right moment to break the deadlock.

Kylian Mbappe Opens the Scoring with Clinical Finish

It didn’t take long for Madrid’s superstar forward Kylian Mbappe to make his mark on the game.

• In the 17th minute, the French forward drifted inside the box, creating space for himself.
• With a quick turn, he cut onto his right foot and fired a low-driven shot past Augusto Batalla into the far corner.
• The goal marked Mbappe’s 18th strike of the season, further cementing his importance in Madrid’s attack.

Vinicius Junior Doubles the Lead with Stunning Solo Goal

Just minutes after Mbappe’s opener, Vinicius Junior produced a moment of magic to extend Madrid’s lead.

• The Brazilian danced past Florian Lejeune near the corner flag, twisting and turning his way into a shooting position.
• His effort took a crucial deflection off Andrei Ratiu, leaving Batalla helpless as the ball found the back of the net.
• It was a brilliant individual effort, demonstrating Vinicius’ agility and quick feet in tight spaces.

At 2-0 inside the first 30 minutes, it seemed like Madrid was cruising to an easy victory.

Pedro Diaz Pulls One Back with a Thunderous Strike

Just when it looked like Real Madrid might run away with the game, Rayo Vallecano found a way back into the contest.

• Pedro Diaz unleashed a rocket of a shot from outside the box, which cannoned in off the crossbar, leaving Andriy Lunin no chance.
• The goal galvanized Rayo, who pressed higher up the pitch and started to create more attacking opportunities.

With the score 2-1 at halftime, Madrid needed to regain control to avoid dropping crucial points.

Second Half: Missed Chances for Madrid

Mbappe & Vinicius Waste Golden Opportunities

Despite controlling possession, Madrid was wasteful in front of goal in the second half.

• Kylian Mbappe found himself in a one-on-one situation, but failed to convert past Batalla.
• Vinicius Junior then missed an even bigger chance, failing to score from six yards out after brilliant build-up play from Luka Modric.

These missed chances kept Rayo Vallecano alive, as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

Luka Modric Pulls the Strings in Midfield

While Mbappe and Vinicius were lively in attack, the real standout performer was Luka Modric.

• The veteran midfielder controlled the tempo, dictating play with his vision and passing range.
• His composure under pressure helped Madrid weather Rayo’s late surge and hold onto their lead.

With Modric leading the midfield, Madrid saw out the game to claim a valuable 2-1 victory.

Real Madrid Player Ratings (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

• GK: Andriy Lunin – 7.2/10
  • Couldn’t do much about Pedro Diaz’s stunning goal, but made some crucial saves to keep Madrid ahead.
• RB: Lucas Vazquez – 6.7/10
  • Offered attacking width but was occasionally caught out defensively.
• CB: Raul Asencio – 6.5/10
  • Struggled against Rayo’s physical approach at times.
• CB: David Alaba – 7.0/10
  • Showed experience in key moments, providing composure at the back.
• LB: Fran Garcia – 7.7/10
  • A constant threat down the left flank, making overlapping runs and delivering dangerous crosses.

Midfielders

• RM: Rodrygo – 7.0/10
  • Energetic performance, but lacked a cutting edge in attack.
• CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – 7.9/10
  • Solid in midfield, breaking up play and winning key duels.
• CM: Luka Modric (c) – 8.5/10 ⭐ (Player of the Match)
  • Controlled the game with his passing, vision, and leadership.
• LM: Jude Bellingham – 7.5/10
  • Provided driving runs from midfield, linking up well with Mbappe and Vinicius.

Forwards

• CF: Vinicius Junior – 8.2/10
  • Scored a brilliant solo goal but missed a golden chance in the second half.
• CF: Kylian Mbappe – 7.9/10
  • Opened the scoring with a clinical finish, but wasted a clear chance to seal the game.

Substitutes

• Federico Valverde (68’ for Rodrygo) – 6.2/10
• Eduardo Camavinga (79’ for Mbappe) – 5.9/10
• Brahim Diaz (86’ for Bellingham) – N/A
• 

Final Thoughts: A Crucial Victory for Madrid

Despite some nervy moments, Real Madrid secured a vital 2-1 victory, keeping pace with Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

• Luka Modric’s masterclass in midfield ensured Madrid controlled key moments.
• Mbappe and Vinicius Junior delivered in attack, but also missed opportunities to extend the lead.
• Pedro Diaz’s goal gave Rayo Vallecano hope, but Madrid’s defensive resilience secured the win.

With this victory, Real Madrid now sits level with Barcelona on points, while Atletico Madrid falls behind after their setback against Getafe.

Madrid now shifts its focus to the Champions League clash with Atletico, as they aim to continue their strong form across competitions.