Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior scored in the first half to give Real Madrid an easy 2-1 win over neighbours Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and move them level on points at the top of the LaLiga standings.

Just one point separates Spain's three biggest clubs in one of the closest title races in recent years, with Barcelona leading the way on 57 points, ahead of second-placed Real on goal difference and Atletico Madrid in third on 56 points after their 2-1 defeat at Getafe on Sunday.

Barca, who face Atletico next Sunday, have a game in hand after Saturday's match against Osasuna was postponed following the sudden death of their team doctor.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti rested several key players, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger, ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against rivals Atletico Madrid.

However, Real were the better side and dominated proceedings from the outset at the Bernabeu.

Kylian Mbappé scored against Rayo Vallecano after coming under fire for his performances in recent weeks.

They took a two-goal lead with quick strikes, Mbappé finishing off a counter-attack in the 30th minute before Vinicius doubled their advantage with a fine individual goal four minutes later.

Vinícius also hit the post with a shot from outside the area that could have doubled their lead.

Rayo reduced the deficit in added time before the break when Pedro Diaz's thunderous shot from the edge of the area hit the crossbar, bounced over the goal line and then out of play, with the VAR awarding the goal after the referee failed to give it.

Real did just enough to maintain their lead after the break against a Rayo side that battled hard and created good chances but lacked the firepower to pose a real threat to the LaLiga champions.