Mbappe, Vinicius help Real Madrid shade Rayo Vallecano

MADRID: Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior were both on target for Real Madrid as they beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday to pull level with La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Los Blancos rose one point above Atletico Madrid after their surprise 2-1 defeat by Getafe earlier on, while Barca´s match on Saturday was postponed because of the death of a club doctor.

Carlo Ancelotti´s side produced a solid, if not spectacular, performance to get the better of their local rivals, ahead of the huge Champions League derby clash against Atletico Madrid beckoning on Wednesday.

The Italian coach brought Jude Bellingham back into the starting line-up after suspension, but left Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger out entirely because of a knee issue and illness respectively.

However the duo are expected to return to face Atletico in the last 16 second leg clash.

With one eye on that game, Ancelotti also began with Fede Valverde on the bench after he recovered from a minor fitness issue, but started star forwards Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo Goes.

Rayo Vallecano, seventh, were without several key players, including Jorge de Frutos, Abdul Mumin, Randy Nteka and Isi Palazon, but still gave a strong account of themselves.

Vinicius hit the post with Madrid´s first significant attack, after his Brazilian compatriot Rodrygo teed him up with a surge down the right.

Rayo Vallecano, enjoying a good season, threatened themselves when Andrei Ratiu´s drive was saved by Andriy Lunin and Raul Asencio blocked well from Gerard Gumbau´s follow up.

Los Blancos took the lead after half-an-hour at the Santiago Bernabeu when Vinicius played Mbappe in down the left.

The French superstar, who failed to score in flat outings in his two previous appearances, causing concern in the Spanish capital, took on Florian Lejeune before firing home.