Mbappé brace and Bellingham goal send Real Madrid level with Barcelona after 4-1 rout of Rayo

Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Jude Bellingham netted his third goal of the season as Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, moving level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after five matchdays.

Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute after Florian Lejeune fouled Álvaro Carreras inside the area. Three minutes later, Carreras turned goalscorer himself, exchanging passes with Mbappé before finishing after Lejeune lost possession under pressure from Vinícius Júnior. Bellingham made it three before half-time, converting a cut-back from Vinícius Júnior after the Brazilian had driven down the left flank. Mbappé also struck the post late in the first half as Madrid threatened to run riot.

Rayo offered more resistance after the break. Sergio Camello pulled one back in the 51st minute following a turnover, and the visitors created further chances as they pressed for a way back into the match. Thibaut Courtois was called into action during Rayo’s improved spell, and Pedro Díaz also hit the post. Madrid, however, never looked in serious danger of surrendering their lead.

Mbappé settled the contest in stoppage time, finishing a move created by Arda Güler to complete his brace and seal a 4-1 victory. The second goal took the Frenchman to seven goals in six appearances across all competitions this season.

The result lifted Real Madrid to 12 points from five matches, drawing them level with Barcelona at the summit. Madrid sit second at this stage because Barcelona, who had played one game fewer, were due to face Levante on Sunday. Carreras was a standout contributor, winning the penalty for the opener before scoring the second, while Bellingham’s finish continued his productive start to the campaign.

Real Madrid travel to Elche on Tuesday in their next La Liga fixture, while Rayo Vallecano host Espanyol.