Mbappé strikes twice as Real Madrid thrash Rayo Vallecano 4-1

Real Madrid bounced back from their shock defeat by Real Betis with a convincing 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice, while Álvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham also found the net as Real Madrid raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 35 minutes.

The result gave the Spanish giants four wins from their opening five La Liga matches and moved them level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table.

Mbappé gives Real Madrid perfect start

Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute.

The France international calmly sent Rayo goalkeeper Emil Audero the wrong way after Carreras was fouled inside the penalty area.

Mbappé then turned provider just three minutes later, setting up Carreras for Real Madrid's second.

The left-back finished emphatically to double the hosts' advantage and put Rayo under significant pressure.

Bellingham adds Real's third

Real Madrid continued to dominate and added a third goal in the 35th minute.

A sweeping attacking move ended with Vinícius Júnior cutting the ball back for Bellingham, who calmly side-footed his finish into the net.

The England international's goal gave Real a commanding 3-0 lead before half-time.

Mbappé came close to adding another before the interval, but his fierce effort struck the woodwork. The miss denied him what would have been his sixth La Liga goal of the campaign.

Rayo respond after the break

Rayo Vallecano showed greater attacking intent after half-time and reduced the deficit in the 51st minute.

Sergio Camello found the net to give the visitors a glimmer of hope and briefly raised the possibility of a comeback.

Real Madrid, however, remained in control and prevented Rayo from building enough momentum to threaten their lead.

Mbappé seals comfortable Real Madrid victory

The hosts eventually put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.

Mbappé collected the ball before firing a low, powerful effort into the far corner to complete his brace and make it 4-1.

The second goal capped another influential performance from the French forward and ensured Real Madrid finished the afternoon in convincing fashion.

The victory also extended their impressive home record against Rayo, with Real now winning 14 of their last 15 home meetings with their city rivals.

Real Madrid keep pace with Barcelona

The win moved Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the summit of La Liga.

It was an important response after their surprise defeat by Real Betis eight days earlier and maintained their strong start to the new campaign.

Barcelona had the opportunity to restore a three-point advantage when they travelled to face Levante on Sunday.

For Real Madrid, however, the immediate focus will be on the confidence gained from a dominant Bernabéu performance led by Mbappé.

SportsLigue