On Sunday, March 09, 2025, Real Madrid beats Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 27th round of the Spanish League. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior secured a vital win, bringing Real Madrid level with Barcelona at 57 points atop the La Liga standings. Despite a late scare from Rayo, this victory keeps the title race wide open for the reigning champions.
First Half Fireworks
Real Madrid came out strong, applying early pressure. In the 14th minute, Vinicius Junior rattled the crossbar with a fierce shot, and Mbappe’s follow-up was denied by Rayo goalkeeper Batalla. A defensive error nearly cost Real Madrid in the 23rd minute when Asensio’s backpass to Lunin went wide. Rayo responded in the 27th minute with Andre Ratiu’s shot, blocked by Lunin, followed by Gumbau’s effort, which the defense cleared. Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, slotting a low shot past Batalla after a Modric assist. Four minutes later, Vinicius Junior doubled the lead with a powerful strike. Rayo’s Pedro Diaz pulled one back in stoppage time (45+2), making it 2-1 at halftime.
Second Half Tension
Real Madrid pushed for a third goal after the break. Bellingham’s 46th-minute shot missed the mark, and Mbappe fired wide in the 53rd minute after a Modric pass. Rayo nearly equalized in the 75th minute when Alvaro’s long-range effort tested Lunin, who made a stunning save. In the 83rd minute, Vinicius Junior’s cross to Fran Garcia was intercepted by Rayo’s defense, thwarting a late chance. Real Madrid controlled the closing stages to seal the win.
Standings Shake-Up
With this result, Real Madrid beats Rayo and climbs to 57 points, matching Barcelona’s tally but trailing on goal difference. Barcelona’s postponed match against Osasuna, due to the passing of their doctor Carles Miniaro Garcia, keeps the race tight. Rayo Vallecano remains at 36 points in seventh place, unable to capitalize on their spirited effort.
