Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: Late Mbappe penalty gives Los Blancos three points in ill-tempered derby

A Kylian Mbappe penalty in the 100th minute of play settled a tense Madrid derby as Real Madrid eventually came good against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga.

After Vinicius Junior gave Real Madrid an early first-half lead, Rayo pulled a goal back early in the second half thanks to Jorge de Frutos, before the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Pathe Ciss was given his marching orders, allowing Madrid snatch a late winner from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win.

Real Madrid arrived desperate for a response after a frustrating Champions League night against Benfica, but their plans were dented early when Jude Bellingham limped off in tears with a hamstring injury.

Despite that setback, Alvaro Arbeloa's side settled quickly and took control. After surviving an early scare when Ilias Akhomach dragged a shot wide, Madrid struck first inside 15 minutes. Vinícius Júnior ended his long LaLiga goal drought in style, curling a superb effort into the top corner.

The first half remained low on clear chances, with Arda Güler forcing an important save from Augusto Batalla, while Rayo Vallecano struggled to trouble Thibaut Courtois. That changed shortly after the restart as Rayo found an equaliser, with Jorge de Frutos finishing after Álvaro García headed the ball back into the danger area.

The game opened up dramatically, with Courtois denying Andrei Rațiu in a one-on-one and Kylian Mbappé hitting the bar after Batalla misjudged his position. Rayo’s task became harder when Pathé Ciss was sent off, and Real pushed late.

After Eduardo Camavinga hit the post, Madrid finally won it deep into stoppage time as Mbappé converted a penalty. The win moves Real within a point of Barcelona, while Rayo remain just above relegation after another damaging defeat.