With Rayo Vallecano's victory, Real Madrid narrows the distance in the La Liga title race.

Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-1 to keep up their La Liga title challenge.

Kylian Mbappé gave Carlo Ancelotti's team the lead with a sweeping finish at the interval, earning him his 29th goal of the season across all competitions.

Vinícius Júnior gave the home team an additional lead four minutes later when he cut a low effort inside the penalty box, wrongfooting Augusto Batalla.

On the cusp of halftime, however, Pedro Díaz fired a shot past Andriy Lunin and in off the crossbar, requiring VAR confirmation, cutting Rayo's deficit in half.

Los Blancos are currently ranked second on goal differential behind Barcelona, who have a game in hand after their delay against Osasuna on Saturday.

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