Real Madrid Thrash Rayo Vallecano 4-1

Real Madrid bounced back from their recent setback in emphatic fashion on Saturday, cruising past city rivals Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to move level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Madrid responded strongly to their shock defeat by Real Betis eight days earlier, racing into a three-goal lead before the 35-minute mark to claim their fourth victory in five league matches this season.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute from the penalty spot after Alvaro Carreras was brought down inside the area.

The French forward sent Rayo goalkeeper Emil Audero the wrong way to register his fifth league goal of the campaign.

Mbappe then turned provider three minutes later, teeing up Carreras to fire home from close range and double Real Madrid’s advantage.

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Jude Bellingham added a third 10 minutes before half-time, calmly side-footing Vinicius Jr’s cut-back into the net after a sweeping attacking move.

Mbappe came close to adding another before the interval, but his fierce effort struck the woodwork in stoppage time.

Rayo managed to pull one back shortly after the restart when Sergio Camello found the net, raising hopes of a comeback at the Bernabeu.

However, Madrid remained in control and restored their three-goal advantage in stoppage time when Mbappe drilled a low effort into the far corner to complete his brace.

The victory extends Real Madrid’s dominant home record against Vallecano, with the result marking their 14th win in their last 15 meetings at the Bernabeu.

Madrid now sit level on points with Barcelona, who can move three points clear again if they beat Levante on Sunday.