Carlo Ancelotti's side were not at their best on Sunday, but still did enough to move level on points with leaders Barcelona
Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe grabbed the goals to redeem an otherwise sloppy performance from Real Madrid, as Los Blancos snagged what might be three vital points in the Liga title race with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Madrid buzzed and pressed in the early goings without making much happen, but Mbappe provided the breakthrough after 30 minutes with a signature cut onto his right foot and ensuing smash into the bottom corner. Vinicius made it two after four minutes later as a wonderful bit of skill created an angle for his deflected strike. The visitors stuck around, though, and Pedro Diaz brought Rayo back into it with a wonderful strike on the stroke of half-time.
Carlo Ancelotti's players really should have put the game to bed after the break. Vinicius was a constant marauding presence down the left, while Mbappe caused problems in spurts, but they missed chances in spades as the Brazilian put one narrowly wide from point-blank range and his French colleague lashed another just outside the post. Rayo, for their part, didn't offer enough going forward to seriously threaten an equaliser, a speculative volley a few yards wide serving as their best chance.
Madrid would have liked to have made things easier for themselves, and it really should have been five or six. But the win pulls them level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona, albeit the Blaugrana now have a game in hand after the postponement of Saturday's meeting with Osasuna.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu…
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Andriy Lunin (6/10):
No chance for the Rayo goal, and didn't have much else to do.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Not his cleanest game. Mistimed a few runs and didn't link as effectively as usual.
Raul Asencio (6/10):
Solid at the back in his one-on-ones, but a little loose on the ball. Might have been punished by a better opponent.
David Alaba (8/10):
A really impressive performance as he continues his injury recovery. Good in his tackles and showed off his passing range, too.
Fran Garcia (7/10):
Scampered up and down the touchline. He's not as good defensively as Ferland Mendy, but his energy makes him useful.
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Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):
A really commanding showing at the base of midfield. Kept an often sloppy Madrid in the game with his defensive nous.
Jude Bellingham (5/10):
Quiet from the Englishman, who was always up for the fight, but lacking in his usual cutting edge. Immensely frustrated to be subbed.
Luka Modric (8/10):
Magical in midfield. Timed everything wonderfully, connected with the front line, and grabbed himself an assist. Ageless.
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Rodrygo (5/10):
Not his best game. A few lively moments, but he struggled to make a real impact on proceedings. Struggled after picking up a hand injury in the first half.
Kylian Mbappe (7/10):
Took his goal wonderfully and was active in the first half. Faded a little in the second, but still stretched the play.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
An outrageous piece of skill led to Madrid's second. Did everything except put the ball in the net in the second half.
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Federico Valverde (7/10):
An impactful, energetic cameo.
Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
Not his team's most convincing performance, but he got his tactics right and will take the win. Attention now turns to Atletico on Wednesday…