Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, February 1st at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé's penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time sealing the win. The last-gasp victory sees Real trail Barcelona by a single point after 22 league games in La Liga's title race.
The real talking point came early in the match. Jude Bellingham injured his left hamstring and had to be replaced 10 minutes into Real Madrid's home game against Rayo Vallecano. Real Madrid Medical Services diagnosed him with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg, and Jude Bellingham is likely to miss a month due to injury for Real Madrid, sources told ESPN. He received medical assistance and seemed emotional as he left the field on his own.
Vinícius Júnior's 15th-minute finish had earlier been wiped out by Jorge de Frutos straight after the break. Things got messy as the match progressed—Rayo finished the contest with nine men after red cards for Pathé Ciss and Pep Chavarría. Madrid's win comes after a tough midweek Champions League loss, keeping them hungry for domestic silverware. For a full match recap, check out the live updates and detailed report here.
The question now is whether Real Madrid can maintain their challenge without their talismanic midfielder during the crucial weeks ahead.