As the match pushed the definition of "stoppage time" to its limit, Kylian Mbappe remained ice-cold under pressure to secure a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid over a resilient, nine-man Rayo Vallecano. The win moves Los Blancos to within a single point of league leaders Barcelona, but the night was clouded by an injury to Jude Bellingham and a restless Santiago Bernabeu crowd.
Despite taking an early lead through Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm against a Rayo side known for their relentless work rate. The visitors played with a steady mentality, equalizing shortly after the break, through former Madrid youth product Jorge de Frutos.
The most somber moment of the night occurred just ten minutes in. England star Jude Bellingham pulled up in agony, clutching his left hamstring.
Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed the team is awaiting full tests, but early indications suggest a hamstring tear.
Reports indicate Bellingham is likely to be sidelined for up to a month, a devastating blow as the club enters the Champions League playoff rounds.
Despite the win, the Bernabeu crowd was in an unforgiving mood, whistling the team off at half-time and reacting with visible anger when Rayo equalized. Coach Arbeloa, however, remained defiant in his post-match comments.
I obviously respect all opinions... but I saw a crowd that carried us to victory. You are lucky to have a coach in front of you who doesn’t need to be told what Real Madrid is
Alvaro Arbeloa
