Real Madrid regained their domestic footing with a decisive 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 5 of La Liga.
The victory served as a strong response from José Mourinho’s side following their unexpected 1-0 defeat to Real Betis in the previous round, despite having restored momentum midweek with a 2-1 Champions League win against Inter Milan.
Mbappé Sparks Fast Start for Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute before assisting Álvaro Carreras for the second goal just three minutes later. Jude Bellingham added a third in the 35th minute, finishing off a delivery from Vinícius Júnior.
Sergio Camello pulled one back for Rayo Vallecano in the 51st minute following a mistake by Vinícius during build-up play, but Mbappé sealed the 4-1 victory in stoppage time (90+1′), elevating his personal tally to seven goals across his first six appearances this season.
Historic Milestones for Mbappé and Diomande
Real Madrid scored three first-half goals in a La Liga match for the second time this season, matching their entire total for first-half three-goal displays from the preceding campaign.
Mbappé became the first Real Madrid player to record both a goal and an assist within the opening 17 minutes of a La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabéu since James Rodríguez accomplished the feat against Espanyol in January 2016.
Additionally, Yan Diomande—aged 19 years and 302 days—became the third-youngest player to start a La Liga fixture for Real Madrid under Mourinho, trailing only Raphaël Varane in 2011 and Sergio Canales in 2010.
Real Madrid Standings and Fixtures Prior to International Break
The victory brought Real Madrid to 12 points from five matches, placing them joint-top of La Liga alongside Barcelona, who hold the lead on goal difference with a game in hand for the current round. Real Madrid have now registered 14 goals scored against four conceded.
Mourinho’s side face two remaining away tests prior to the international break: visiting Elche on Tuesday, September 15, followed by the capital derby against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday, September 20, before returning home to host Villarreal on October 10.
