Karim Benzema Edges Real Madrid Past Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Madrid See Off Celta Vigo

Karim Benzema proved the difference again for Real Madrid on Saturday by scoring a late winner against Rayo Vallecano to send his team nine points clear at the top of La Liga. Atletico Madrid then backed up their encouraging performance against Manchester United in the Champions League by beating Celta Vigo 2-0 to go fourth, above Barcelona. Renan Lodi scored twice at the Wanda Metropolitano. Benzema struck in the 83rd minute, his 29th goal of the season enough to seal a scrappy victory at Vallecas but one that could put Madrid almost out of sight if Sevilla fail to beat local rivals Real Betis on Sunday.

Betis sit third and have been in excellent form in recent weeks.

For an eighth match in a row, Madrid failed to score in the first half and this was their fifth game out of the last six that has seen them unable to score more than once.

Their lack of creativity could prove problematic against more testing opponents, with a Champions League second leg against Paris Saint-Germain and then the Clasico against Barcelona both approaching next month.

"We knew it would be a difficult game," said Carlo Ancelotti. "We won but I'm not very, very satisfied."

Benzema returning to peak fitness and form would certainly help and the Frenchman looked sharp again after recently recovering from a thigh injury.

Also encouraging was his combination for the goal with Vinicius Junior, whose scintillating form has faded in recent weeks. "They combine so well," said Ancelotti. "Real Madrid is lucky to have these two players."

A superb start to the campaign had Rayo in the hunt for the European places a few weeks ago but five consecutive defeats has seen them drop to 12th.

They pushed Madrid hard but were made to pay for a lack of quality in