MADRID: Real Madrid kept Barcelona in their sights as an early goal from Karim Benzema put them on their way to a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano - but they remain eight points behind the Catalan side, who are yet to drop a point this season.
Benzema struck after 13 minutes and Cristiano Ronaldo added a second mid-way through the second half as Jose Mourinho’s side came out on top in the match suspended on Sunday due to floodlight failure caused by sabotage.
In injury time Jose Casado was dismissed for the home side after receiving his second yellow card.
The green light was finally given to play the game yesterday evening at Rayo’s Estadio de Vallecas ground in what was a tough battle for Madrid.
Apart from a dangerous header from Pepe, saved by keeper Ruben Martinez, Rayo took the game to Madrid, who were reduced to committing a series of fouls and Essien was yellow carded for a handball.
However, Madrid conjured up an excellent goal on the counter-attack which spanned the length of the pitch and was finished off by Benzema who knocked the ball in from close range from a Angel Di Maria cross on the left. Di Maria and Ronaldo went close with efforts from the edge of the area. At the other end Madrid showed their susceptibility from crosses as keeper Iker Casillas was forced into a sharp save to block a Andrija Delibasic header and Alonso blocked a follow up shot from Casado with his chest.
Madrid were not comfortable at the back and Alvaro Arbeloa gifted the ball to Lass at the start of the second half but he failed to control the ball.
Real were awarded a penalty, and Ronaldo took the spot-kick, sending the keeper the wrong way.AFP
