Mbappe scores a 100th-minute penalty as Real Madrid beat nine-man Rayo Vallecano 2-1, closing gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona

Kylian Mbappe kept his composure to score a 100th-minute penalty and secure a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid over nine-man Rayo Vallecano in a fiery La Liga derby at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

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Los Blancos reduced Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to a single point after the Spanish champions defeated Elche on Saturday.

Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Madrid in the 15th minute after England midfielder Jude Bellingham limped off with an apparent hamstring injury.

The early goal failed to calm a restless crowd, who whistled their own side despite Madrid dominating the first half.

Rayo Vallecano drew level early in the second half when Jorge de Frutos, a former Madrid youth player, finished from Alvaro Garcia’s cross.

The visitors had chances to take the lead, notably when Andrei Ratiu was denied by a fine save from Thibaut Courtois.

Rayo’s struggles intensified when Pathe Ciss received a red card for a foul on Dani Ceballos, and later Pep Chavarria was sent off for a second yellow after shoving Rodrygo Goes.

Mbappe came close to scoring earlier, hitting the post after rounding Batalla, but it was a late penalty awarded for a foul on Brahim Diaz that proved decisive.

The French striker, La Liga’s top scorer, confidently converted to seal the win in the 100th minute.

Madrid also hit the woodwork through Eduardo Camavinga, and nine minutes of stoppage time kept the tense atmosphere alive until the final whistle.

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The victory helped Los Blancos recover from a midweek defeat to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round, while their supporters experienced another rollercoaster evening of drama, tension, and relief.