MADRID, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty deep into stoppage time as Real Madrid edged Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday to stay one point behind FC Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

Mbappe sealed the win in the 100th minute after Madrid was awarded a late penalty when Rayo defender Nobel Mendy mistimed a clearance and made contact with Brahim Diaz inside the area.

The match was played in a tense atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu following Madrid's midweek Champions League defeat to Benfica, and the hosts were dealt an early blow when Jude Bellingham limped off with a hamstring injury after eight minutes.

Vinicius Junior, who had been targeted by boos from sections of the crowd, gave Madrid the lead with a curling strike, but Rayo drew level early in the second half through Jorge de Frutos. Rayo was reduced to 10 men when Pathe Ciss was sent off for a reckless challenge on Dani Ceballos with 10 minutes of normal time remaining. Pep Chavarria was later dismissed in the 103rd minute following an incident involving Rodrygo.

In the Basque derby, Athletic Club salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to Real Sociedad after Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta scored an 88th-minute equalizer. Goncalo Guedes had put Sociedad ahead with a spectacular first-half strike, and Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon made several key saves to keep his side in contention. Ruiz de Galarreta's goal came five minutes after Sociedad's Brais Mendez was sent off.

Real Betis snatched a late 2-1 win over Valencia. Luis Rioja opened the scoring for the visitors before Chimy Avila equalized from the penalty spot. Midfielder Pablo Fornals struck the winner two minutes from time.

Getafe and Celta Vigo played out a goalless draw in heavy rain at the Coliseum Stadium, offering little to entertain the crowd.

Barcelona maintained its lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 win away to Elche, with goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford on Saturday night.

Second-from-bottom Levante held Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 draw, with Atletico striker Alexander Sorloth taken to hospital following a clash of heads.

Elsewhere, Osasuna and Villarreal drew 2-2, Oviedo beat Girona 1-0, and Alaves won 2-1 away to Espanyol. ■