Title race tightens as Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano and Atletico stunned by Getafe

Real Madrid moved level at the top of LaLiga with a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on 9 March, while Atletico Madrid missed a chance to take the lead in the title race after a dramatic 2-1 defeat at Getafe.

With Barcelona leading the standings on 57 points, Real sit second on goal difference, and Atletico are a point behind in third. Barca also have a game in hand after their match against Osasuna was postponed following the sudden death of their team doctor.

Real keep pace with Barca

At the Santiago Bernabeu, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr struck in the first half to secure a win for Real Madrid. Manager Carlo Ancelotti rested key players, including Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Ruediger, ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Atletico.

Mbappe finished off a swift counter-attack in the 30th minute before Vinicius doubled the lead four minutes later with a fine individual goal. The Brazilian also struck the post with a long-range effort.

Pedro Diaz pulled one back for Rayo in first-half stoppage time with a stunning shot that hit the crossbar and crossed the line. The goal was awarded after a VAR review.

Real managed their lead in the second half, with Rayo showing plenty of fight but lacking the cutting edge to trouble the champions further.

Late drama sinks Atletico

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid suffered a shock defeat at Getafe, with Mauro Arambarri scoring two late goals to overturn Alexander Sorloth's 75th-minute penalty.

Atletico had looked set to go top of the table when Sorloth converted from the spot after a long VAR review for a handball by Omar Alderete. However, Angel Correa's straight red card in the 88th minute turned the match on its head.

Getafe capitalised immediately, with Arambarri poking in a rebound to equalise. He then diverted Diego Rico's shot into the net in the second minute of added time to complete the turnaround.

"It got away from us," admitted Atletico midfielder Pablo Barrios. "With the sending-off, we didn't know how to control the result."

The result is a blow for Diego Simeone's side ahead of their Champions League second leg against Real Madrid on 12 March and a LaLiga showdown with Barcelona on 16 March.

With just one point separating the top three, the LaLiga title race is set for a thrilling conclusion. Barcelona remain in control but face a crucial test against Atletico next weekend, while Real will look to maintain pressure as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back titles.