— Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior scored in the first half to give Real Madrid an easy 2-1 win over neighbours Rayo Vallecano that helped them draw level at the top of the table in the battle to retain their La Liga crown.

Only one point separates Spain’s three biggest clubs in one of the closest title races in recent years with Barcelona leading the pack on 57 points, ahead of second-placed Real on goal difference with Atlético Madrid in third on 56 points after a 2-1 loss at Getafe earlier on Sunday.

Barça, who will face Atlético next Sunday, have a game in hand after their match against Osasuna on Saturday was postponed due to the sudden death of their team doctor.

Real dominated proceedings and took a two-goal lead with quickfire strikes, as Mbappé finished a counter in the 30th minute and Vinícius extended their advantage with a fine individual goal four minutes later.

Rayo reduced the deficit in added time before the break with a tremendous shot from the edge of the area by Pedro Díaz, which hit the crossbar before bouncing over the goalline and then out again, with the VAR replay awarding the goal after it was not given by the referee.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said: “The feeling is good, because the objective was to win,” Ancelotti told a press conference.

“The first half was very good, it could have ended 3-0 or even more but we missed a few chances and they found the 2-1 that made the second half a bit more complicated, although we also had a lot of chances…

“But when you’re 2-1 up in the 75th minute, what you have to do is avoid problems and defend well. I understand that people didn’t like it, but we have to take into account the busy schedule we are facing, also playing in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

“It’s very difficult to prepare for all those games and maintain the same intensity for 90 minutes.”

Ahead of the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, following a 2-1 win in the first, Ancelotti said that he was hopeful his goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Ruediger should be OK after missing Sunday’s match with minor issues.

He added: “Thibaut (Courtois) has a small problem but I think he will be recovered just fine for Wednesday, hopefully Rueiger can recover from the illness he is suffering, a flu.

“The team is looking fine and players look fresh, considering the calendar. If we play on Wednesday like we did in the first half today, we have a good chance of going through.”

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