Mbappe’s 100th-Minute Penalty Keeps Real Madrid in La Liga Title Race

MADRID (Azat TV) – Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over local rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, February 1, 2026, thanks to a 100th-minute penalty from star forward Kylian Mbappe. The hard-fought win at the Santiago Bernabeu kept Los Blancos just one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, intensifying an already gripping title race. The decisive goal came deep into an extended period of stoppage time, after a match riddled with contentious moments, including two red cards for Rayo Vallecano.

Mbappe’s Late Penalty Secures Real Madrid Win

The decisive moment arrived in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time, when Kylian Mbappe stepped up to convert a penalty, sending goalkeeper Augusto Batalla the wrong way and securing a crucial 2-1 lead for Real Madrid. This late heroics followed a clumsy challenge by Rayo Vallecano’s Nobel Mendy on Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area, a foul that sent Rayo players into a frenzy of protest but was upheld by the referee. Mbappe, who had been relatively subdued for much of the game, proved his reliability from the spot, netting what was almost certainly the winning goal, as reported by Al Jazeera Sport.

Real Madrid had initially taken the lead in the 16th minute through a brilliant solo effort from Vinicius Jr, who curled a shot into the top corner. However, Rayo Vallecano, despite their underdog status, found an equalizer shortly after halftime. Jorge de Frutos fired home in the 49th minute from a headed assist by Alvaro Garcia, bringing the score to 1-1 and setting the stage for a tense second half.

Dramatic Turns: Red Cards and Discipline in Real Madrid Clash

The match was marked by significant disciplinary incidents that ultimately impacted its outcome. Rayo Vallecano were reduced to ten men in the 81st minute when Pathe Ciss received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Dani Ceballos, catching the Real Madrid midfielder’s left ankle with his studs. The dangerous challenge was deemed indisputable by officials. Later, in the 90+12th minute, Rayo’s Pep Chavarría was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card for pushing Rodrygo while collecting the ball on the sidelines, leaving the visitors with only nine players on the field.

Throughout the second half, Real Madrid pressed for a winner, with statistics favoring the home side despite their struggles to convert chances. They registered 14 shots, but only three were on target by the 90-minute mark. Eduardo Camavinga notably hit the far post with a header in the 85th minute, and Mbappe himself rattled the crossbar from an acute angle in the 69th minute after rounding the Rayo goalkeeper. These missed opportunities fueled concerns about Real Madrid’s finishing, but the late penalty ultimately provided the breakthrough.

La Liga Title Race Heats Up for Real Madrid

The victory was paramount for Real Madrid’s ambitions in the La Liga title race. Coming a day after Spanish champions Barcelona defeated Elche, Madrid’s win cut their rivals’ lead back to a mere single point. As of February 1, 2026, Barcelona sits atop the standings with 55 points after 22 matches, with Real Madrid closely following with 54 points. This tight margin underscores the high stakes of every fixture for both clubs as the season progresses. Atletico Madrid are currently third with 45 points, nine points adrift of Real Madrid, while Villarreal holds fourth place with 42 points and a game in hand, according to Al Jazeera Sport.

The match against Rayo Vallecano also served as an important bounce-back for Real Madrid following a disappointing midweek performance in the Champions League. The club had recently lost 4-2 to Benfica, failing to finish in the top eight and consequently slipping into the playoffs, a result that drew criticism from fans and experts alike. Manager Arbeloa made several changes throughout the Rayo match, introducing players like Rodrygo and David Alaba in the latter stages to seek the winning goal. Jude Bellingham also sustained an injury, leading to an early substitution for Brahim Diaz.

Real Madrid’s Form Under Scrutiny Despite Victory

Despite securing the three points, Real Madrid’s performance against Rayo Vallecano, who currently sit 17th in the league, raised questions about their current form. The need for a 100th-minute penalty against a team reduced to nine men highlighted a potential struggle for dominance. Fans and analysts expressed concern over the team’s reliance on last-minute heroics and their inability to secure a more comfortable victory, especially after their recent Champions League setback. This win marked only their fourth victory in the last seven games across all competitions, suggesting a period of inconsistency for the Spanish giants.

The dramatic nature of this victory, while securing vital points, underscores Real Madrid’s current challenge in consistently asserting their dominance. While Mbappe’s late penalty kept them firmly in the title hunt, the struggles against a lower-ranked, short-handed opponent suggest that the team’s form remains a significant area of focus for manager Arbeloa as the La Liga season intensifies.