MADRID (AP) — Kylian Mbappé made another appearance for Real Madrid, scoring a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time to earn a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and bring Madrid back within points of Spanish league leaders Barcelona on Sunday.
Vinicius Junior also scored for Madrid after being jeered by fans again early in the match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Jude Bellingham was also booed when the lineup was announced. had to be replaced Ten minutes into the game due to an apparent left hamstring injury.
madrid was sent off Lost to Benfica 4-2 This took the team out of the eight automatic spots for the Round of 16 of the Champions League. They will face Benfica again in the playoffs.
“We suffered a tough defeat, which no one wants, in the Champions League, which many of us want to win,” Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde said. “I wanted to change that image. Today we had our first chance and I think we played a great game.”
Sunday’s match at the Bernabéu was a thriller. Mbappe coolly converted a last-minute penalty to give Madrid the win with his eighth goal in five games.
The result allowed Alvaro Arbeloa’s side to keep pace with Barcelona. 3-1 victory over Elche Saturday.
“It was a victory with a lot of energy and soul from the players,” said Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso last month. “We needed the help of our fans and we couldn’t have done it without their support.”
The boos subsided after Vinicius scored a wonderful goal in the 15th minute. The Brazil international evaded several defenders and fired a right-footed shot into the top corner of the goal.
Rayo played man-down in the 80th minute after Pate Sis was sent off with a red card for a heavy foul, and equalized with Jorge de Frutos in the 49th minute.
Vallecano occasionally threatened the Bernabéu, but Pep Chavarria was shown a second yellow just before stoppage time.
Bellingham appeared to have injured his left foot, but was left alone. He immediately grabbed the sole of his foot with his left hand and fell to the ground. He received medical assistance and appeared emotional as he left the field on his own.
Brahim Díaz was substituted for the England international and five minutes later he set up Vinicius’ goal to make it 1-0 for Madrid. Dias also prompted a foul on Mbappe’s penalty kick.
“We don’t know anything about Jude yet,” Arbeloa said. “He came into the game in perfect condition and has put in a huge effort in every game he’s played since I’ve been here.”
Mbappe found the back of the net in the 68th minute, going past the goalkeeper and hitting the crossbar.
In the 64th, with the game tied at 1-1, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save in a one-on-one situation following Rayo’s breakthrough.
Rayo have lost four consecutive games in all competitions, but have only lost one of their last five league games against Madrid. They fell to 17th place, just outside the relegation zone.
Other results
Pablo Fornals scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, and 5th place Real Betis, who had won three consecutive games in all competitions, defeated 15th place Valencia 2-1. Timy Avila also scored for the home side three minutes after Luis Rioja put Valencia ahead.
7th place Celta Vigo drew 0-0 with 16th place Getafe, who have not won in nine consecutive games in all competitions. Celta are now winless for three games in a row.
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