Lunin Starts as Real Madrid Defeats Rayo Vallecano to Overtake Atlético

In a highly anticipated Madrid derby, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, with Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin making his first start for the club. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior proved decisive, as Real Madrid climbed to 2nd place in the La Liga table, level on points with Barcelona.

Lunin, who has been waiting for his opportunity, put in a solid performance despite conceding a goal to Pedro Díaz. The Ukrainian shot-stopper made several key saves to ensure his team held on for the win.

With this victory, Real Madrid now has 57 points, the same as Barcelona, who postponed their match against Osasuna following the tragic death of their club doctor. Despite the draw in points, Barcelona retains the top spot due to a superior goal difference.

2024-25, Spain - La Liga

Real - Rayo Vallecano 2:1 (2:1)
Goals: Mbappé, 30 (1:0); Vinícius Júnior, 34 (2:0); Díaz Р., 45 (2:1)

Real: Lunin Andriy; Alaba; García Fr.; Asencio R.; Modric; Tchouaméni; Vazquez L.; Bellingham (Diaz Br., 86); Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé (Camavinga, 79); Rodrygo (Valverde F., 68)
Bench: Gonzalez Fran; Mestre; Mendy Fe.; Güler A.; Endrick
Yellow Cards: Vinícius Júnior 79; Tchouaméni 85

Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Chavarría; Aridane; Álvaro García; Espino (Guardiola S., 85); Lejeune; Ratiu; Díaz Р. (Balliu, 70); Ciss P. (López U., 85); Gumbau (Trejo, 70); Embarba (Valentín Ó., 70)
Bench: Cárdenas; de las Sias; Fernandez P.; Pineda
Yellow Cards: Gumbau 63