Image Source: BBC
laliga produced another emphatic Real Madrid performance on Saturday as JosĂ© Mourinhoâs side defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at the Estadio BernabĂ©u. Kylian MbappĂ© scored twice, while Ălvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham were also on target in a commanding victory.
Real Madrid raced into a three-goal lead before half-time and appeared set for a comfortable evening. Rayo Vallecano responded after the interval through Sergio Camello, but the visitors could not maintain their momentum. MbappĂ© added a late fourth goal to seal the points and underline Madridâs attacking strength.
Explosive laliga victory puts Real Madrid second
The result moved Real Madrid to second place in the Spanish top flight with 12 points from five matches. Barcelona remained top of the table, while Rayo Vallecano stayed 15th with four points.
Madrid began quickly and were rewarded after 14 minutes when Mbappé converted a penalty. The France international showed composure from the spot, giving Emil Audero little chance and setting the tone for an energetic opening.
Just three minutes later, Carreras doubled the home sideâs advantage. The full-back finished a flowing move as Real Madrid repeatedly exposed gaps in Rayoâs defensive structure. Bellingham then made it 3-0 in the 35th minute, turning another dangerous attack into a decisive first-half lead.
Mbappé shines as Bellingham delivers again
MbappĂ© was the standout finisher, combining sharp movement with ruthless finishing. His second goal arrived in stoppage time, when he produced a low angled shot that bounced in off the inside of the post. The late strike completed his brace and brought Real Madridâs total to four.
Bellinghamâs goal continued his influential start to the campaign. Operating behind MbappĂ©, the England midfielder found space between the lines and contributed heavily to Madridâs attacking rhythm. VinĂcius JĂșnior also caused problems on the flank, while Arda GĂŒler added creativity after coming off the bench.
According to BBC Sportâs match coverage, Real Madrid created 24 shots and 11 efforts on target. They also had 55.8% possession, completed more than 90% of their passes and earned 11 corners.
Rayo fight back but Courtois stands firm
Despite the scoreline, Rayo Vallecano improved significantly after half-time. Camello pulled a goal back in the 51st minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the Real Madrid penalty area. The forwardâs finish made it 3-1 and briefly raised hopes of a remarkable comeback.
Rayo then tested the home defence with several long-range efforts. Pedro DĂaz struck the post early in the second half, while Florian Lejeune and Giorgi Tsitaishvili also went close. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was required to make six saves, including an excellent stop from DĂaz just before the interval.
The visitors enjoyed their strongest spell after Camelloâs goal, and sections of the home crowd began to show their frustration. Courtoisâ interventions were therefore crucial in preventing the match from becoming tense during the final stages.
Key match facts and standout moments
- Final score: Real Madrid 4-1 Rayo Vallecano.
- Goals: Kylian MbappĂ© scored in the 14th and 90th minutes, with Ălvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham also scoring for Real Madrid.
- Rayoâs response: Sergio Camello reduced the deficit in the 51st minute.
- Goalkeeping battle: Courtois made six saves, while Emil Audero made seven for Rayo.
- League position: Real Madrid moved second with 12 points; Rayo remained 15th with four.
Mourinho made several changes as the match progressed, introducing Eduardo Camavinga, AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni and GĂŒler to manage the midfield and restore control. VinĂcius JĂșnior was replaced late on as Madrid closed out the victory.
The result also extended Mourinhoâs perfect record against Rayo Vallecano in the league, with the manager having won all four of his meetings with the club. More importantly, Real Madrid demonstrated that even when their defensive concentration wavers, their attacking quality can decide matches.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano score?
Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at the Estadio Bernabéu on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Who scored for Real Madrid?
Kylian MbappĂ© scored twice, while Ălvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham each scored once.
Who scored for Rayo Vallecano?
Sergio Camello scored Rayo Vallecanoâs only goal in the 51st minute.
How many saves did Thibaut Courtois make?
Courtois made six saves, helping Real Madrid withstand Rayoâs improved second-half pressure.
Where are Real Madrid in the laliga table?
Real Madrid moved into second place with 12 points from five matches, according to the latest table provided in the match report.