Mbappé Penalty Seals Late Real Madrid Win Over Rayo

Published: 01 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Kylian Mbappé struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic victory for Real Madrid against nine-man Rayo Vallecano, keeping the Spanish giants firmly in the La Liga title race on a night marked by tension, controversy, and concern over Jude Bellingham’s fitness. The late penalty, converted calmly in the 100th minute, sealed a hard-fought win that moved Carlo Ancelotti’s side to within a single point of league leaders Barcelona.

The decisive moment arrived after Nobel Mendy brought down Brahim Díaz inside the penalty area during an extended period of added time. Referee José María Sánchez Martínez pointed to the spot, and Mbappé showed trademark composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to claim his 22nd league goal of the season. The Santiago Bernabéu erupted in relief as much as celebration, after a match that had threatened to slip away despite Real’s dominance and numerical advantage.

Yet before Mbappé’s late heroics, the evening had already taken a worrying turn for the home side. Jude Bellingham, one of Real Madrid’s most influential players this season, was forced off after just ten minutes. The England international pulled up suddenly while sprinting, clutching the back of his left thigh, and dropped to the turf in visible distress. Medical staff quickly attended to him, and although he was later seen walking unaided, the sight of Bellingham leaving the pitch cast a shadow over proceedings.

Brahim Díaz replaced Bellingham, and Real appeared determined to respond swiftly. Within minutes of the substitution, Vinícius Júnior broke the deadlock with a moment of individual brilliance. Cutting in from the left flank, the Brazilian winger curled a sublime right-footed effort beyond the reach of the Rayo goalkeeper, sending the home supporters into early celebration. The goal seemed to promise a comfortable evening for Real, especially against a Rayo side battling near the foot of the table.

However, Vallecano refused to fold. Gradually, the visitors grew in confidence, pressing higher and testing Real’s defensive focus. The Bernabéu crowd, initially buoyant, grew increasingly restless as Rayo began to carve out chances. Pep Chavarría came close before half-time, lashing a shot over the crossbar after finding space on the edge of the area, a warning sign that Real had not put the contest to bed.

The equaliser arrived shortly after the interval and stunned the home crowd. Jorge de Frutos finished clinically, sweeping home a first-time shot after latching onto a knock-down from Álvaro García. The goal capped a well-worked move and underlined Vallecano’s growing belief. Moments later, Rayo nearly took the lead when Andrei Rațiu burst through, only for Thibaut Courtois to produce a crucial save with his feet, preserving parity.

Real Madrid responded with waves of pressure. Mbappé, constantly probing with pace and movement, appeared destined to restore the lead when he rounded goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who had rushed out of his penalty area. With the goal seemingly at his mercy, the French forward struck the ball against the crossbar, hands on head in disbelief as the chance slipped away.

The intensity of the match increased as time wore on, and discipline began to fray. With ten minutes of normal time remaining, Rayo were reduced to ten men. Pathé Ciss was shown a straight red card for a crude challenge on Dani Ceballos, catching the Real midfielder on the left ankle. The dismissal tilted the balance further in Real’s favour, yet the breakthrough still refused to arrive.

Eduardo Camavinga went agonisingly close when his header crashed against the post, while Mbappé continued to torment the depleted Rayo defence. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Vallecano defended doggedly, frustrating Real and drawing audible groans from sections of the home support as the clock ticked toward full-time.

Drama escalated in stoppage time. As Real poured forward, Díaz was caught high up the pitch by Nobel Mendy inside the area, prompting the decisive penalty call. Mbappé stepped up amid deafening noise, and his successful spot-kick finally broke Rayo’s resistance. The tension did not end there, however. In the 103rd minute, Pep Chavarría received a second yellow card for pushing Rodrygo, leaving Vallecano with nine men and underlining the chaotic finale.

The final whistle confirmed Real Madrid’s sixth consecutive league victory, a run that keeps them firmly in contention at the top of the table. For Ancelotti, the three points were vital, particularly given Barcelona’s narrow lead in the title race. Yet the win was tempered by uncertainty surrounding Bellingham’s injury, with the midfielder having been central to Real’s campaign.

Rayo Vallecano, despite the defeat, earned credit for their resilience and organisation for much of the match. They remain just one point and one place above the relegation zone, and while discipline proved costly in the closing stages, their performance suggested they are capable of fighting their way to safety.

For Real Madrid supporters, the night offered a familiar mix of anxiety and exhilaration. Mbappé’s late intervention once again highlighted his importance, while Vinícius Júnior’s opener showcased the attacking quality that defines this side. As the title race tightens and fixtures pile up, moments like these may yet prove decisive.