Real Madrid cruises to win as Alaves misses chance to go top in La Liga

Real Madrid's Dutch defender #24 Denzel Dumfries (L) heads the ball during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on September 12, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Real Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win at home to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night to go level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Real Madrid was 2-0 ahead after 17 minutes, with Kylian Mbappe opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute, before Alvaro Carreras made it 2-0 three minutes later.

Jude Bellingham made it 3-0 in the 35th minute after an assist from Vinicius Jr, who had been booed by Real Madrid fans in their previous home game.

Sergio Camello pulled one back for the visitor early in the second half, while Mbappe scored Real Madrid's fourth goal in the 91st minute to round off the win.

Deportivo Alaves missed the chance to go to the top of the table after slipping to a 2-1 defeat away to Racing Santander. Yassir Zabiri scored twice as Racing came from behind after Ville Koski had put Alaves ahead.

Elsewhere, Elche drew 1-1 away to Athletic Bilbao. Espanyol beat Osasuna 2-0 away, with Roberto Fernandez scoring both goals.