Mbappe Holds Nerve as Madrid Snatch Derby Win over Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid began with urgency but lost rhythm fast. Jude Bellingham pulled up early, clutching his thigh, and limped off to stunned faces in the stands. Vinicius Junior soon cut inside and blasted Madrid ahead, yet the noise inside the Bernabeu stayed sharp, not celebratory.

Rayo Push Back as Pressure Builds

Rayo Vallecano refused to shrink. After the break, Jorge de Frutos drilled home the equaliser, and suddenly the home side looked rattled. Whistles rolled down from the stands. Thibaut Courtois then stood tall, denying a clear one-on-one that could have flipped the night.

Chaos, Cards, and a Decisive Kick

Pathé Ciss was sent off, and Pep Chavarría soon followed. Real Madrid pushed forward, the woodwork shook, and chances slipped away. Then the referee pointed to the spot. Mbappe stepped up and converted the penalty, sealing a late Real Madrid win.

Coach Alvaro Arbeloa called for patience afterward, stressing effort over polish. Madrid were far from smooth, but the table does not ask how. It only counts points. With another Real Madrid late win secured by a cool Mbappe penalty, the chase rolls on.