Mbappé's 100th-Minute Winner Secures Dramatic Real Madrid Victory Over Rayo Vallecano
Madrid, Spain – In a pulsating La Liga encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, Kylian Mbappé delivered the ultimate clutch moment, converting a 100th-minute penalty to hand Real Madrid a thrilling 2-1 victory over nine-man Rayo Vallecano on February 1, 2026.
Early Setback and Vinicius Magic
Real Madrid's afternoon started on a worrying note when star midfielder Jude Bellingham limped off in the 10th minute with a suspected hamstring injury, casting a shadow over Los Blancos' title aspirations. However, Brazilian winger Vinicius Júnior responded brilliantly in the 15th minute, showcasing his exceptional dribbling skills before curling a magnificent shot over goalkeeper Augusto Batalla into the top corner – his first La Liga goal since October 4.
Rayo's Resilience and Controversial Moments
The visitors refused to be intimidated at the iconic Bernabéu stadium. Former Real Madrid youth player Jorge de Frutos leveled the score just four minutes into the second half, finishing expertly after Álvaro García's intelligent knockdown. The match intensified dramatically when midfielder Pathé Ciss received a straight red card in the 80th minute for a reckless challenge on Dani Ceballos, shifting momentum decisively.
The Decisive Penalty Drama
As the clock ticked into the 100th minute of this dramatic Madrid derby, Brahim Díaz was brought down inside the penalty area by Nobel Mendy's clumsy challenge. Step forward Mbappé – La Liga's top scorer kept his composure under immense pressure, rolling the ball home for his 22nd league goal of the season. Rayo finished with nine men after Pep Chavarría received a second yellow card for pushing Rodrygo in the dying seconds.
Title Race Implications
This hard-fought victory cuts Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to just one point after 22 matches. Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa acknowledged the team's inconsistency following their midweek Champions League defeat to Benfica, stating: "I'm not Gandalf the White. What I want from my players is commitment, attitude, mentality – knowing that quality alone isn't enough."
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mbappé score the winning penalty?
Mbappé converted the decisive penalty in the 100th minute of the match, deep into stoppage time.
Why did Rayo Vallecano finish with 9 players?
Pathé Ciss was sent off in the 80th minute for a dangerous foul, and Pep Chavarría received a second yellow card in stoppage time for pushing Rodrygo.
What happened to Jude Bellingham?
Bellingham was forced off in the 10th minute with a suspected hamstring injury, which could be a significant blow to Real Madrid's title challenge.
Looking Ahead
With a two-week break from midweek fixtures following their early Copa del Rey exit, Arbeloa will have valuable training time to address defensive vulnerabilities exposed against both Benfica and Rayo. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano remains in 17th position, just one point above the relegation zone, making their upcoming fixtures crucial for survival.
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