Mbappé's Dramatic Late Penalty Secures Tense Derby Win for Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé displayed remarkable composure to convert a 100th-minute penalty, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Real Madrid against nine-man Rayo Vallecano in a fiercely contested La Liga derby on Sunday. The dramatic late winner at the Santiago Bernabéu cut Barcelona's lead at the summit of the Spanish top flight to just a single point, intensifying the title race as the season progresses.
Early Setback and Opening Goal Amidst Fan Discontent
The match began under a cloud of tension following Real Madrid's midweek defeat to Benfica, with interim head coach Álvaro Arbeloa and star forward Mbappé having publicly appealed for supporter backing. However, the home crowd's mood turned sour early when England international Jude Bellingham was forced off in evident distress after just ten minutes, clutching his hamstring in a significant blow to Madrid's midfield dynamism.
Despite this setback, Vinícius Júnior broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, demonstrating exquisite close control inside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful strike that soared over Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla. Yet, even with this early advantage, the Madrid faithful expressed their dissatisfaction, audibly whistling their own team as the players headed to the dressing rooms at half-time.
Rayo Fightback and Mbappé's Near-Miss
The visitors capitalised on the hostile atmosphere early in the second period when former Madrid youth product Jorge de Frutos expertly finished from Álvaro García's headed assist, drawing Rayo level and further incensing the home supporters. Rayo nearly completed a stunning turnaround on the hour mark, but Thibaut Courtois produced a magnificent save to deny Andrei Ratiu when clean through on goal.
Mbappé came agonisingly close to restoring Madrid's lead when he rounded the advancing Batalla, only to see his long-range effort cannon back off the crossbar. The match's complexion shifted decisively when Rayo midfielder Pathé Ciss received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Dani Ceballos, reducing the visitors to ten men and handing Madrid a numerical advantage.
Stoppage-Time Drama and Decisive Intervention
As the match entered nine minutes of added time, Eduardo Camavinga's header struck the post as Madrid intensified their pressure. The breakthrough finally arrived when Nobel Mendy's clumsy challenge on Brahim Díaz prompted the referee to point to the spot. Mbappé, La Liga's leading marksman, kept his nerve to calmly slot home the penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Madrid players.
The drama concluded with Rayo finishing the match with just nine players after Pep Chavarría received a second yellow card for pushing Rodrygo in the closing moments. This tempestuous derby victory provides Real Madrid with crucial momentum as they continue their pursuit of Barcelona at the top of La Liga, though concerns will linger over Bellingham's fitness following his premature departure.
