Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Madrid: Karim Benzema scores late winner

Karim Benzema scored a late winner as Real Madrid beat neighbours Rayo Vallecano to go nine points clear at the top of La Liga.

Benzema played a one-two with Vinicius Jr and tapped the Brazilian's unselfish return pass into an empty net from six yards out.

Casemiro had a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee in the first half for offside.

Rayo matched their more illustrious opponents and had several chances.

Forward Sergi Guardiola had eight efforts, including several headers off target. Thibaut Courtois had to pull off a good double save to deny Oscar Trejo and Alvaro Garcia not long before the go.

Vallecano keeper Luca Zidane, son of Real legend Zinedine, had a good performance against his old club, denying Marco Asensio with an excellent fingertip save.

Rayo have yet to win in La Liga in 2022 and have now lost their last five league games.

Second-placed Sevilla host Real Betis on Sunday.

Formation 4-2-3-1

Formation 4-3-3

Match ends, Rayo Vallecano 0, Real Madrid 1.

Second Half ends, Rayo Vallecano 0, Real Madrid 1.

Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid) is shown the yellow card.

Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Foul by Radamel Falcao (Rayo Vallecano).

Foul by Nacho (Real Madrid).

Radamel Falcao (Rayo Vallecano) wins a free kick on the right wing.

Attempt missed. Eder Militão (Real Madrid) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Toni Kroos with a cross following a corner.

Corner, Real Madrid. Conceded by Mamadou Sylla.

Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid) wins a free kick on the right wing.

Foul by Santiago Comesaña (Rayo Vallecano).

Foul by Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid).

Randy Nteka (Rayo Vallecano) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

Substitution, Real Madrid. Eduardo