Total Drama! Mbappé’s Last-Minute Goal Rescues Real Madrid Against Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2–1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Matchday 22 of the LaLiga 2025–26 season, thanks to a last-gasp penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé in the 100th minute. The decisive goal came in the dying seconds and allowed Los Blancos to claim three crucial points after a tension-filled night at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid entered the match under pressure following a series of difficult results and needed a win to stay in the title race. With this outcome, the team coached by Álvaro Arbeloa moves to within one point of league leaders FC Barcelona.

The match began with strong home dominance, which quickly translated onto the scoreboard. Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a brilliant goal, finishing off an individual move with a perfectly placed shot into the top corner.

Rayo Vallecano responded after halftime. Just minutes into the second half, Jorge de Frutos equalized, taking advantage of a precise assist to keep the visitors alive in the contest.

The game grew increasingly intense and open, with chances at both ends and moments of danger for each goalkeeper. The Bernabéu crowd swung between hope and nerves as the clock ticked down.

Late drama followed. The referee awarded a penalty after Nobel Mendy fouled Brahim Díaz inside the box, sparking strong protests from Rayo players. Mbappé stepped up and coolly slotted the ball inside the post to make it 2–1 in the 100th minute.

The match was also marked by its physical edge. Pathé Ciss was sent off with a straight red card, and Rayo Vallecano finished the game with nine men after Pep Chavarría received a late red card as well.

The victory keeps Real Madrid firmly in the LaLiga title hunt but also exposes lingering concerns in both attack and defense, as the team struggled more than expected against a resilient opponent that fought until the very end.

Adding to the concern, the match also saw Jude Bellingham forced off early due to injury, creating another headache for Real Madrid amid an increasingly demanding schedule.