Real Madrid managed to beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon in La Liga, drawing level with league-leaders Barcelona on points.
The first half was largely dominated by the hosts, with Vinicius Junior hitting the post early on before Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring thanks to his pace down the left flank and ruthless finishing ability.
Vinicius Junior gave his side a 2-0 lead shortly after the half-hour mark when he showcased his immense dribbling qualities, but Rayo Vallecano ended strongly, with Pedro Diaz netting from range just before the interval.
The second half was devoid of much action and Los Blancos held on for all three points, meaning Carlo Ancelotti's side are in second place with 57 points, level with Barcelona and one point in front of third-placed Atletico Madrid.
Rayo Vallecano stay on 36 points and are in seventh place, though they are just two points from sixth-placed Real Betis, who occupy the division's Conference League qualification spot.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Real Madrid were dominant for the majority of the match, and it looks as if their attacking unit has finally gelled after a turbulent settling in period for the likes of Mbappe.
Vinicius Junior also scored his 103rd goal for the Spanish giants and needs just one more to equal Ronaldo Nazario's total for Los Blancos and just two more to become the Brazilian with the most goals in the club's history.
As for Rayo Vallecano, the defeat does little to dent their chances of securing European football give the gap to Betis is so small, and they could still enjoy success this season.
Real Madrid VS. RAYO VALLECANO HIGHLIGHTS
14th min: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) hits post
Rodrygo charges down the right flank and cuts his pass back to Jude Bellingham, but the England midfielder dummies for Vinicius Junior, who strikes from the edge of the box and onto the left post.
Brilliant play from the hosts!
Kylian Mbappe goal vs. Rayo Vallecano (30th min, Real Madrid 1-0 Rayo Vallecano)
Mbappe races down the left flank and faces up Florian Lejeune in the box, and though the defender makes contact with the ball, he fails to stop the Real Madrid forward cutting inside onto his right foot and curling home into the bottom-right corner.
Madrid lead!
Vinicius Junior goal vs. Rayo Vallecano (30th min, Real Madrid 2-0 Rayo Vallecano)
Vinicius Junior looks like he is stuck by the left corner flag, but he somehow dribbles his way past a Rayo Vallecano defender before squaring up another, and his trickery fools both the man in front of him and goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who dives the wrong way as the attacker finishes at the near post.
What a goal!
45+3rd min: Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano (Pedro Diaz)
Rayo Vallecano quickly attack down the left and work the ball across the edge of the box to Pedro Diaz, who uses his first touch to combine with Alvaro Garcia before receiving the ball back from the striker and hitting a powerful effort off the underside of the crossbar and the ball just crossed the line.
An unbelievable team goal!
MAN OF THE MATCH - VINICIUS JUNIOR
Vinicius Junior has at times been criticised for his performances in La Liga this term, but he was unstoppable on Sunday, with his goal in the first half a good example of his excellent dribbling technique.
The winger completed four of his five dribbles, produced four shots and created two chances for his teammates in a complete performance at the Bernabeu.
REAL MADRID VS. RAYO VALLECANO MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 46%-54% Rayo Vallecano
Shots: Real Madrid 10-20 Rayo Vallecano
Shots on target: Real Madrid 5-6 Rayo Vallecano
Corners: Real Madrid 4-6 Rayo Vallecano
Fouls: Real Madrid 12-17 Rayo Vallecano
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid will contest the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, and then return to La Liga action next Saturday against Villarreal.
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano are set to host Real Sociedad next Saturday in the league before taking on Deportivo Alaves on March 29.
