By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Real Madrid strengthened their start to the La Liga campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice.
Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute after Real Madrid were awarded a penalty following a foul by Florian Lejeune.
The France international made no mistake, sending his effort past goalkeeper Emil Audero and putting the visitors ahead.
Real Madrid quickly doubled their advantage three minutes later. Mbappe turned provider, threading a pass into the box for Alvaro Carreras, who finished into the bottom-left corner to make it 2-0.
Jude Bellingham then added a third in the 35th minute, finishing a well-worked move with a low shot into the bottom-right corner.
Rayo Vallecano responded strongly after the interval and reduced the deficit six minutes into the second half.
Sergio Camello collected a precise pass and fired a low effort into the bottom-left corner to make it 3-1.
The hosts continued to push for another goal, but Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stood firm. He produced an excellent save in the 55th minute to deny Florian Lejeune, who had unleashed a powerful effort towards the bottom-left corner.
Rayo’s attempts to mount a comeback ultimately came to nothing, as Real Madrid maintained control and created further opportunities.
Mbappe completed his brace in the first minute of added time, collecting an excellent pass before producing a quick shot that went in off the left post to make it 4-1.
The goal put the result beyond doubt as Real Madrid comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.
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