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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.

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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
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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