La Liga: 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-winning goal against Rayo Vallecano to send his team nine points clear at the top of La Liga.

Benzema struck in the 83rd minute, his 29th goal of the season enough to seal a win at Vallecas but one that could put Madrid almost out of sight if Sevilla fails to defeat local rivals Real Betis on Sunday.

For an eighth game in a row, Madrid failed to score in the first half and this was their fifth match 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 afterward 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.”