Staff Reporter.
Real Madrid survived a late surge from Rayo Vallecano to win 2-1 at the Bernabeu on Satuday and maintain their spot at the top of LaLiga.
Toni Kroos put the hosts ahead after 14 minutes with a well-taken, side-footed finish from Vinicius Junior’s pass.
Karim Benzema doubled the advantage before half-time, slotting in his 10th league goal of the season from David Alaba’s cross.
Substitute Radamel Falcao headed in with 13 minutes left but Rayo could not find an equaliser and remain sixth.
Victory moved Carlo Ancelotti’s side two points clear of Real Sociedad, although Sevilla will join them on 27 points if they defeat Real Betis on Sunday (20:00 GMT).
Ancelotti felt his side were worthy of the win despite their nervy ending to the game.
“It’s not fair to say we almost drew the game, I saw a team that could have scored five or six goals. We fully deserved the three points,” he said.
“It’s logical that you get a bit nervous when you concede a goal with 10 minutes to go but overall we played well and I’m happy. It’s normal to suffer a bit in football.”
Benzema had several chances to put the hosts’ beyond reach, while Vinicius was unable to finish after a superb run and Marco Asensio was also denied at close range.
They were almost punished for their profligacy in added time but Kroos produced a goal-line clearance and Thibaut Courtois tipped a follow-up shot from Unai Lopez over the crossbar.
Considering anyone associated with Rayo would still have vivid memories of their 10-2 mauling at the Bernabeu in 2015, coach Andoni Iraola took plenty of encouragement from his side’s performance even though they left the stadium empty handed.
“The reality is they beat us but we had them on the ropes right until the end,” he said. “The game was very equal, the key factor is they took their chances, especially in the first half. But we fought right until the end.”