Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid bounced back from their shock defeat by Real Betis with a convincing 4-1 victory over city rivals Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
The win moved Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga and gave them their fourth victory in five league matches this season.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute from the penalty spot after Alvaro Carreras was fouled inside the area. The French forward calmly sent Rayo goalkeeper Emil Audero the wrong way to put the hosts ahead.
Madrid doubled their advantage just three minutes later when Mbappe turned provider. The forward picked out Carreras, who finished emphatically to make it 2-0.
Jude Bellingham then added a third 10 minutes before half-time. The England international finished off a flowing attacking move by side-footing Vinicius Jr’s cut-back into the net.
Mbappe came close to adding another before the break, but his powerful effort struck the woodwork in first-half stoppage time.
Rayo responded early in the second half when Sergio Camello pulled a goal back, giving the visitors hope of mounting a comeback.
However, Madrid remained in control and sealed the points in stoppage time. Mbappe collected the ball and fired a low, powerful effort into the far corner to complete his brace.
The victory also extended Madrid’s impressive home record against Rayo, with the capital club now winning 14 of their last 15 meetings with Vallecano at home.
Barcelona can move three points clear again when they face Levante on Sunday.
For Madrid, the result provides an emphatic response to their defeat by Real Betis and keeps them firmly in the early title race.
