Real Madrid dramatically remained one point behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga after Kylian Mbappe scored in the 10th minute of stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Vinicius Junior’s superb opener was canceled out by Jorge de Frutos early in the second half and looked likely to drop points at home even after the visitors were reduced to 10 men.
But with 100 minutes on the clock, Nobel Mendy’s foul on Brahim Diaz gave the hosts the chance to secure victory, with Mbappe stepping in and scoring. Rayo finished the match with just nine players after Pep Chavarria joined Pathé Ciss to receive his marching orders late.
The victory was Real’s sixth consecutive league win and keeps them one point behind Barca.
A bitter note to the victory was the injury to Jude Bellingham, who left the field in tears, sparking concerns about his fitness for the remainder of the season and England’s World Cup campaign.
Vinicius opened the scoring for Real with his first goal since October. The Brazilian ran flawlessly down the left before twisting and turning inside before firing a brilliant strike into the top corner.
Although they went on at half-time, they were greeted by boos at the Bernabeu with supporters frustrated by the lack of chances created against a team just one place above the relegation zone.
And that frustration only increased early in the second half when the visitors equalized, De Frutos completing a marvelous team move to stun Real as they were made to pay for the defense’s complacency.
Thibaut Courtois had to keep the hosts in the game just after the hour mark when Andrei Ratiu broke through one-on-one, with the Real goalscorer making a superb save with his leg.
Kylian Mbappe then missed a glorious chance to give Real the lead when he rounded the goalkeeper from some distance, but his shot then went off the crossbar.
A chaotic finish saw Rayo reduced to 10 men for a Pape Ciss stamp before Edouardo Camavinga hit the post as Real pressed for a winner.
But just when it looked like they were heading for more dropped points, the referee pointed out the spot in the eighth minute of added time where Mendy completely missed his clearance and brought Diaz down.
Mbappe stepped up to seal the win with 100 minutes on the clock, to ensure they stay alive in the title race.
