Mbappé's double took Rayo apart
Real Madrid 4–1 Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu on Saturday. Kylian Mbappé scored twice and set one up (1) (2).
That is a fourth LaLiga win of the season and 12 points, level with Barcelona at the top (1). You sit second on goal difference.
Álvaro Carreras won the penalty and scored as well (2). Thibaut Courtois made six saves (2).
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Mourinho on Vinícius: better than ever
Vinícius Júnior set up a goal in the 4–1 win over Rayo, and Mourinho backed him afterwards (4).
"Fisicamente, está em sua melhor forma. Falta um milímetro para a sua velocidade máxima, mas a capacidade de repetir esforços é enorme," Mourinho said, which means physically he is in his best shape and one millimetre short of top speed, but his capacity to repeat efforts is huge (4).
Mourinho said he brought Vinícius off for Cucurella to hold the result (4).
Diomande's first start: a lot to learn
Yan Diomande made his first start for Real Madrid on the right wing in the 4–1 win over Rayo (3) (5).
"Se le ve un potencial increíble," Mourinho said. You can see incredible potential, but Mourinho says he still has a lot to learn tactically (3) (5).
Brahim Diaz is ahead on the right
Brahim Diaz has taken an early lead over Yan Diomande for the right-wing spot (6).
Diomande's difficult start opened that door (6).
Nico Paz: Arsenal want him, Madrid hold the clause
Real Madrid have an €80m buy-back option on Nico Paz for summer 2027 (7). Arsenal are watching the Como midfielder, but that clause stands in their way (7).
Como manager Cesc Fabregas has compared Paz to Lionel Messi over the treatment he gets from rival players (7).
Barcelona need a win at Levante
Barcelona are at Levante on Sunday, looking to go clear at the top after your 4–1 win over Rayo put them level on points with you (8).
Hansi Flick's side had won every match before that (8).
Elche away on Tuesday, Atleti after that
Elche away on Tuesday, 21:30 CEST (fixtures).
Atlético Madrid away on Sunday, September 20, 16:15 CEST (fixtures).
