MX23RW : Monday, November 25 05:57:53| >> :120:25578:25578:
[monks data]
Rayo Vallecano logo
La Liga
Apr 8, 2015 at 9pm UK
 
Real Madrid logo

0-2

FT(HT: 0-0)
Ronaldo (68'), Rodriguez (73')

Real Madrid close gap to four points with Rayo Vallecano win

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez give Real Madrid a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at Teresa Rivero on Wednesday evening.

Real Madrid closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to four points with a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at Teresa Rivero on Wednesday evening.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez gave the European champions the win to keep them on the coattails of Barca, who beat Almeria 4-0 earlier in the evening.

Gareth Bale had the ball in the back of the net for the European champions on 23 minutes, but the world's most expensive player was just offside when he collected the pass from Luka Modric.

Gael Kakuta was guilty of nearly gifting the lead to Carlo Ancelotti's men when his underhit back-pass almost put Benzema in, but the goalkeeper was alert to clear the danger.

Ronaldo had a great chance to open the scoring shortly before half time but the current Ballon d'Or holder could only head over the crossbar after a good cross from James Rodriguez.

Iker Casillas was forced into a save at the death of the half to keep Los Blancos level as the Spain keeper denied Roberto Trashorras's header from close range.

James Rodriguez (R) of Real Madrid CF competes for the ball with Mohammed Fatau (L) of Rayo Vallecano de Madrid during the La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Vallecas Stadium on April 8, 2015© Getty Images

Ronaldo was left incensed six minutes into the second period when he was booked for diving inside the area, and the Portuguese forward was unfortunate not to have a spot kick awarded by official Mario Melero.

Benzema was then sent scampering through by Bale's through-ball, but the France international's shot whistled past the post before Marcelo went close with a long-range effort moments later.

James was next to try his luck, and the Colombian was unlucky with his effort that flew just over the crossbar after he displayed neat footwork to find the space for the shot on 65 minutes.

Ronaldo finally made the breakthrough on 68 minutes when he headed home Dani Carvajal's cross for his 300th goal in a Real Madrid shirt.

James then made it 2-0 five minutes later when he cut inside onto his favoured left foot before firing low into the corner.

ID:216049: cacheID:216049:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4546:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF celebrates with Daniel Carvajal as he scores their first and equalising goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on March 22, 2015
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: Real Madrid held by Rayo at the break
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!