Real Madrid return to winning ways and draw level with Barcelona in LaLiga

Real Madrid returned to winning ways in LaLiga with a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening, moving them level on points with FC Barcelona at the top of the table.

Jude Bellingham was available again after serving a suspension, while Real made changes to their starting line-up. Andriy Lunin, Lucas Vazquez and David Alaba came into the side in place of Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde.

The hosts were given an early warning when Lunin failed to deal convincingly with a corner. The loose ball fell to Aridane Hernandez, who had the opportunity to direct a header towards goal but missed the target.

Real Madrid had already created the better opening before taking the lead. Vinicius struck the post with a low effort from inside the penalty area after linking up with Rodrygo.

Their pressure eventually told when Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring. The France forward darted inside Florian Lejeune before driving a powerful finish into the bottom corner for his 18th LaLiga goal of the season.

Vinicius then doubled the advantage. After combining with Luka Modric, he cut inside before firing a shot beyond Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.

Rayo Vallecano responded before the interval and reduced the deficit through Pedro Diaz. A quick exchange of passes on the edge of the penalty area created space, allowing Diaz to take a touch before sending a powerful effort in off the underside of the crossbar.

The visitors continued to look dangerous after half-time, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Real Madrid, however, managed to repel the pressure and clear the danger whenever Rayo threatened to break through.

Mbappe remained heavily involved and went close to adding a second goal. He found room in a promising position near the edge of the danger area and tried a low, teasing shot that tested the Rayo defence.

Carlo Ancelotti made changes during the final quarter as Real attempted to protect their lead and maintain their attacking threat. Rodrygo was withdrawn, with Federico Valverde introduced.

The defending champions continued to create the clearer opportunities as the match entered its closing stages. Vinicius was presented with a golden chance when Modric played the ball across the face of goal, but he was unable to convert with the goal at his mercy.

That miss did not prove costly. Real Madrid held on to secure their first LaLiga win after a setback and moved level on points with FC Barcelona at the summit.

The result also offered a timely response for Ancelotti’s side, who had been seeking to restore momentum. Rayo Vallecano remained competitive throughout, particularly after Pedro Diaz’s goal, but Real’s first-half attacking quality ultimately proved decisive.