Carlo Ancelotti's side were far short of their best, but still did enough to put pressure on Barcelona
Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe grabbed the goals to redeem an otherwise sloppy performance from Real Madrid, as Los Blancos snagged what might be three vital points in the title race with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Madrid buzzed and pressed in the early goings - without making much happen. Mbappe provided the breakthrough after 30 minutes, a signature cut onto his right foot and ensuing smash into the bottom corner. Vinicius made it two after 34 minutes, a wonderful bit of skill creating an angle for his deflected strike. The visitors stuck around, though. Pedro Diaz brought Rayo back into it with a wonderful strike on the stroke of half time.
Los Blancos really should have put the game to bed after the break. Vinicius was a constant marauding presence down the left, while Mbappe caused problems in spurts. But they missed chances in spades. Vinicius put one narrowly wide from point blank range. Mbappe lashed another just outside the post. Rayo, for their part, didn't offer enough going forward to seriously threaten, a speculative volley a few yards wide serving as their best chance.
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Carlo Ancelotti would have liked his team to make this easier. And it really should have been five or six. But the win ensures the pressure is now on Barcelona to pick up a result - and should stand them in good stead before the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie with Atletico Madrid next week. Ultimately, it's the victory that counts.
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