Real Madrid Climbs in LaLiga After Rivals Stumble

MADRID, Spain – Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, cementing their position at the top of LaLiga alongside FC Barcelona on March 8, 2025, after their rivals faced a postponement due to tragedy.

With Barcelona’s scheduled match against Osasuna called off following the death of team doctor Carles Miñarro, Real Madrid took the opportunity to equal the Catalan club’s 57 points. The teams are now tied, though Barcelona holds the edge with a goal difference of +46 compared to Madrid’s +31.

Real Madrid, playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, took the lead with goals from Kylian Mbappé in the 31st minute and Vinicius Junior just three minutes later. Both players showcased their skills, with Mbappé’s shot sliding past the goalkeeper and Vinicius executing a superb individual effort to add to the score.

“We played well, but there’s still work to do,” said Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti after the match. “These games are crucial as we approach the final stretch of the season.”

The win puts Real Madrid one point ahead of Atlético Madrid, who suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss against Getafe. The loss marked a missed opportunity for Atlético to position themselves as the league leader.

Atlético Madrid initially led the match with a penalty goal by Alexander Sorloth, but a red card for Ángel Correa in the 88th minute changed the tide, enabling Getafe to score two late goals, culminating with Mauro Arambarri‘s double in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior’s goal increased his career tally to 103 for Real Madrid, putting him just one behind Ronaldo’s record for the most goals by a Brazilian in club history. Vinicius has been a key figure this season, already surpassing 19 goals thus far.

As the season progresses, the stakes are high, especially with Atlético Madrid now aware that they squandered their chance to lead the table. They will face Barcelona next week, where they will have an opportunity to redeem themselves and potentially climb back into the title race.

“We need to regroup quickly; this tournament is unforgiving,” stated Atlético’s coach afterward, addressing his team’s ongoing struggles. “We have to focus on the next match.”

As for Barcelona, no new date has been set for their match against Osasuna, leaving them anxious about the title race. Key player performances and upcoming fixtures will be pivotal as the LaLiga season approaches its climax.