Karim Benzema strikes again as Real Madrid edge past Rayo Vallecano
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.
FT #RayoRealMadrid 0-1
🇫🇷 @Benzema wins it late on for @realmadriden! ✨#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/YC0uOCjbXW
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 26, 2022
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.
🤍 @realmadriden's duo combine once again in #RayoRealMadrid! pic.twitter.com/MUplOk0jr8
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 26, 2022
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.
HIGHLIGHTS | @Benzema the matchwinner as @realmadriden pick up points against city rivals! ⚪🌟#RayoRealMadrid highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/JTfMYLu6so
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 26, 2022
Their lack of punch could prove problematic against more testing opponents, with a Champions League second leg against Paris Saint-Germain and then the second La Liga Clasico of the season against Barcelona both approaching next month.
A superb start to the campaign had Rayo in the hunt for the European places a few weeks ago but four consecutive defeats had seen them drop to 12th before kick-off.
⚡️ Final en Vallecas (0-1).
Victoria por la mínima del @realmadrid ante un 𝙍𝙖𝙮𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙡𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙤.#ValentíaCorajeYNobleza #VamosRayo pic.twitter.com/DnHCaPpZCV— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) February 26, 2022