Mbappe double helps Real Madrid thump Rayo Vallecano 4–1 in La Liga

Real Madrid produced a strong response to their recent league defeat by beating neighbours Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, with Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carreras also on target, as Madrid moved level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

The hosts built a three-goal advantage inside the opening 45 minutes. A penalty after Florian Lejeune clipped Carreras handed Madrid an early lead, which Mbappe converted by sending goalkeeper Emil Audero the wrong way. Later in the half, pressure by Vinicius Junior led to a turnover from Lejeune and Carreras finished a quick exchange with Mbappe to make it 2-0. Bellingham then added a third when Vinicius cut the ball back for the England midfielder.

Rayo tried to respond after the break and reduced the deficit when Sergio Camello tapped home in the 51st minute following a Vinicius turnover; the goal was Camello’s sixth of the campaign, which the report says made him joint-top scorer with Barcelona’s Raphinha and Mbappe. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied several Rayo efforts as the visitors pushed for more, but substitute Arda Guler helped settle the game and set up Mbappe’s late fourth, netted in stoppage time.

Manager Jose Mourinho said the win was important after the previous league loss and praised his side’s mentality, adding that they ‘killed the game in the first half.’ He also defended Vinicius, who had been whistled by some supporters during Madrid’s recent Champions League match. Rayo coach Benat San Jose acknowledged his team were better in the second half but conceded Madrid were superior overall. Madrid travel to Elche on Tuesday, while Rayo will host Espanyol next in La Liga.