Why Kylian Mbappe and Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid shook off the pressure in LaLiga after beating Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid responded to the pressure in emphatic fashion. Los Blancos defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing a much-needed victory that restores confidence to Xabi Alonso’s side. Once again, the main protagonist was Kylian Mbappé, who made an immediate impact.

MBAPPÉ, DECISIVE ONCE AGAIN

The French forward scored and assisted within the opening 17 minutes, a feat no Real Madrid player had achieved at the Bernabéu in LaLiga since James Rodríguez did so against Espanyol in January 2016.

Mbappé has also now scored six goals in the first five matches of the 2026-27 LaLiga season, matching Karim Benzema’s tally from the start of the 2021-22 campaign.

His form has been spectacular: 17 goals in his last 14 appearances for Real Madrid and the French national team.

The forward’s clinical finishing allowed Madrid to quickly take control of a match they needed to win to regain their momentum.

REAL MADRID END UNCOMFORTABLE RUN AGAINST RAYO

The 4-1 victory also brought an end to an unwanted statistic. Real Madrid had gone 13 consecutive LaLiga matches without beating Rayo Vallecano by more than one goal, a run that began after the historic 10-2 victory in December 2015.

Madrid also went 2-0 up before the 18th minute once again. In the previous 108 matches in which they had taken such an early lead, their record stood at 100 wins, five draws and three defeats.

The introduction of Arda Güler helped change the game, as the Spanish giants took advantage of the spaces to put the result beyond doubt.

With Mbappé in outstanding form, a more clinical attack and a convincing win over an awkward opponent, Real Madrid have eased the pressure and restored their confidence.

The season is still long, but the message after the 4-1 victory is clear: Los Blancos are back on the front foot.

WATCH beIN SPORTS XTRA LIVE FOR FREE ON YOUTUBE