La Liga: Mbappé shines as Real Madrid edge past Rayo Vallecano

Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr were on target as Real Madrid secured a crucial victory over Rayo Vallecano, keeping pace in the La Liga title race.  

Mbappé cut inside and slotted a precise shot into the bottom corner to open the scoring. Moments later, Vinicius Jr produced a near-identical finish, with a slight deflection off Andrei Ratiu aiding his effort.

Rayo Vallecano responded just before halftime, as Pedro Díaz rifled a stunning strike off the crossbar for his first goal for the club.

Jude Bellingham made his return from suspension but had to be substituted late on after an awkward fall.

With this result, Barcelona remain top with a game in hand, while Real Madrid sit second on goal difference. Carlo Ancelotti’s side now shift focus to their Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Atleti missed the chance to go top of La Liga earlier on Sunday when the third-placed side fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat at Getafe.

They led 1-0 through an Alexander Sorloth penalty, but had Angel Correa sent off in the 88th minute and Mauro Arambarri scored twice in the final two minutes for the hosts.