Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid responded to their defeat by Real Betis with a commanding 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

The result lifted Madrid level with Barcelona at the summit of La Liga and secured their fourth win in five league games this season.

Mbappe put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute after Alvaro Carreras was brought down inside the penalty area.

The French striker stepped up for the spot-kick and calmly sent Rayo goalkeeper Emil Audero the wrong way to give Madrid the advantage.

Madrid quickly extended their lead three minutes later, with Mbappe turning provider this time. He set up Carreras, who made no mistake with a powerful finish to put the hosts 2-0 ahead.

Jude Bellingham added a third in the 35th minute after completing a well-worked attacking move.
The England midfielder met Vinicius Jr’s cut-back and guided the ball into the net with a side-footed finish.

Mbappe nearly completed his hat-trick before the interval, but his powerful attempt came back off the woodwork during first-half stoppage time.

Rayo improved after the restart and reduced the deficit when Sergio Camello found the net early in the second half, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.

Madrid, however, retained control of the contest and restored their three-goal cushion in stoppage time.

Mbappe received the ball before driving a low effort into the far corner to complete his brace and round off the scoring.

The victory further strengthened Madrid’s dominance over Rayo at home, with the Spanish giants now having won 14 of their last 15 home meetings with Vallecano.

Barcelona have the opportunity to move three points clear at the top when they travel to face Levante on Sunday.

For Madrid, the emphatic victory provided an immediate response to their setback against Real Betis and kept them firmly involved in the early La Liga title race.