Real Madrid used a strong second-half performance to overcome the efforts of a determined Rayo Vallecano side trying to cause an upset. Madrid didn’t have to travel far as they visited the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas stadium on Wednesday night looking to continue their strong form in the league.
With Barcelona having won earlier in the day at home against Almeria, three points for Carlo Ancelotti and his men were crucial to keep the gap at the top of the La Liga standings to a minimum. Coming off a 9-1 demolition of Granada, Los Blancos were looking for another big performance. However, they struggled to get a foothold in the match early as Rayo looked inspired to upset the visiting giants.
A flurry of early chances from the home side forced the Madrid back line into making mistakes that almost cost the Champions League winners. Madrid failed to keep possession and command the game the way they’d have liked.
Both sides forced the opposite defence into making some last ditch defending to keep the score at a stand still at halftime.
The second half was a much different story, however. Madrid came out strong-willed to find the opener. A controversial call occurred early in the half as it appeared Cristiano Ronaldo was fouled in the area by Rayo defender Antonio Amaya. However, referee Mario Melero López deemed it simulation and booked Ronaldo.
The call ignited the match as the players were visually frustrated by the referee’s decision. Madrid picked up four yellow cards within the space of three minutes. As a result, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos, and Ronaldo accumulated five cards on the season and will miss out on Madrid’s next league game against Eibar.
Madrid were on the offensive and finally broke the deadlock through Ronaldo after a fantastic run down the right flank from full-back Dani Carvajal. Carvajal rounded the left-back Nacho Martinez and picked out Ronaldo who headed the ball past Rayo keeper Cristian.
The Whites grabbed a second through a finish from outside the area by the Colombian Rodriguez. The 23-year-old picked up the ball after a nice buildup from his side and placed it low past the sprawling keeper. This was only Rodriguez’s second appearance back from a two month spell on the side lines from an injury as he registered his ninth of the season.
That would be all Real Madrid would need as they struggled past a strong Rayo side. Madrid overcame their poor first half performance and made sure they came out with all three points. Madrid keep the gap between themselves and league leaders Barcelona to four points as they try to tighten the title chase. Rayo sit in mid table and travel to Celta Vigo next as they try to climb the table.
