Real Madrid moved level on points with leaders Barcelona following a narrow victory over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
The hosts secured a comfortable first-half advantage with two quick goals in four minutes. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a precise finish into the bottom corner, followed by a similar strike from Vinícius Jr, whose effort deflected slightly off defender Andrei Ratiu.
In first-half stoppage time, Pedro Díaz scored his first goal for Rayo Vallecano with a powerful shot off the crossbar, reducing the deficit.
Jude Bellingham returned from a two-game La Liga suspension but was substituted late on after an awkward fall.
Despite the win, Real Madrid remain second on goal difference, with Barcelona retaining the top spot and a game in hand.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team will face city rivals Atlético Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Earlier on Sunday, Atlético missed the chance to go top of La Liga, suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at Getafe. Alexander Sørloth’s penalty had given them the lead, but Angel Correa’s late red card allowed Mauro Arambarri to score twice in the final moments for the hosts.