Mbappé Saves the Day: Real Madrid Edges Past Rayo Vallecano in Thrilling 2-1 Win

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MADRID — Kylian Mbappé scored a last-gasp penalty to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory for Real Madrid over Rayo Vallecano, propelling the team back within a point of Spanish league leader Barcelona on Sunday. The win marked a notable turnaround for Madrid, which had suffered a 4-2 loss to Benfica in their previous match. Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring for Madrid with a stunning goal in the 15th minute, but Rayo equalized through Jorge De Frutos in the 49th. The match took a thrilling turn in the final minutes of stoppage time, with Mbappé securing the win with a coolly taken penalty. Jude Bellingham, who was booed by fans, was forced to leave the game early due to a left hamstring injury. Brahim Díaz replaced him and set up Vinícius' goal, while also prompting the foul that led to Mbappé's game-winning penalty. Real Madrid's victory allowed them to keep pace with Barcelona, which won 3-1 at Elche on Saturday. The win marked a significant boost for Álvaro Arbeloa's side, who were boosted by the energy and support of their fans. In other Spanish league matches, Pablo Fornals scored an 88th-minute winner to give Real Betis a 2-1 win over Valencia, while Celta Vigo drew 0-0 with Getafe. The results left Rayo Vallecano in 17th place, just outside the relegation zone, after losing four straight in all competitions.