• Match review

Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Madrid – La Liga Player Ratings

Karim Benzema - Real Madrid
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Real Madrid secured a narrow win over Rayo to keep their lead on the top of the La Liga table.

Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in their La Liga game on Saturday. The Blancos managed to claim back-to-back La Liga wins as they bounce back from their Champions League setback against Paris Saint-Germain.

Benzema with a late winner!

Despite starting the game with complete domination, Real Madrid lacked enough edge to convert their chances during the first half.

The Blancos remained more cautious of the hosts’ counter-attacks in the second period while still pushing to get the opener. However, they had to wait until the 83rd minute to break the deadlock.

Following a brilliant piece of buildup play, Vinicius Junior sent a precise cut back to Karim Benzema, who opened the empty net. This came a minute after Thibaut Courtois denied Rayo of a shock opener.

Benzema’s goal was enough to secure another three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they march toward the La Liga title.

What’s next for Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano?

Real Madrid maintain their lead on top of the table, waiting to see whether their closest rivals Sevilla would drop points this weekend. On the other hand, Rayo continue their horrendous run of five consecutive league defeats.

The 12th-placed side will face Real Betis in the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday while the Blancos prepare to host Sociedad three days later.

Player Ratings

Rayo Vallecano: Zidane (8); Balliu (7), Suarez (7), Catena (6), Garcia (6); Valentin (6), Comesana (5); Bebe (6), Trejo (7), A. Garcia (5); Guardiola (6).

Bench: Nteka (6), Palazon (5), Sylla (5), Ciss (6).

Real Madrid: Courtois (8); Carvajal (8), Militao (7), Fernandez (6), Mendy (8); Modric (7), Casemiro (6), Kroos (6); Asensio (7), Benzema (7), Junior (8).

Bench: Valverde (7), Ceballos (5), Camavinga (5), Rodrygo (6).

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