Real Madrid left it late to beat Rayo Vallecano, with Kylian Mbappe going from villain to hero in dramatic fashion as his last-gasp penalty sealed the win. The France star had earlier missed a huge chance, but made amends when it mattered most to keep Madrid’s night on track.
It was a frantic contest that swung from moment to moment, and Madrid were made to work hard for every inch. Mbappe’s “horror miss” looked like it might be the defining image of the game, only for the forward to step up at the death and deliver from the spot under pressure.
However, the victory came with a worrying setback as Jude Bellingham suffered an injury that cast a shadow over the celebrations. The midfielder was forced to deal with a problem during the match, leaving Madrid with an unwanted fitness concern despite the late win.
Mbappe’s decisive penalty changed the mood instantly, rescuing his own performance and ensuring Real Madrid did not pay the price for earlier wastefulness. But the focus after the final whistle was split between relief at the result and anxiety over Bellingham’s condition.
Real Madrid now move on with the points secured, yet the dramatic finish and Bellingham’s injury ensured it was far from a straightforward night against Rayo Vallecano.
