Result: Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo
© PA Photos
Real Madrid moved 13 points clear at the top of La Liga with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

It was the home side who began the stronger and Emiliano Armenteros went close to opening the scoring after four minutes, but Sergio Ramos was on hand to make the block.

Madrid were next to go close after 18 minutes via Gonzalo Higuain, but the Argentine could only fire high and wide when he might have done better.

The away side began to dominate proceedings as the half wore on and twice Cristiano Ronaldo went close to finding the bottom corner.

The best chance of the half fell to the home side after 39 minutes, however, when Piti rattled the post after good work from Armenteros.

Madrid took the lead just ten minutes into the second period when Ronaldo struck a low drive into the bottom corner from the centre of the box.

Ronaldo again went close after 63 minutes with an effort from outside the area, but Joel was on hand to make a smart save at his near post.

The home side pushed for the equaliser in the latter stages, despite losing Michu to a red card, and came close via an effort from Tito, but Madrid held on to further extend their lead at the top of La Liga.
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Barcelona367094
2Real Madrid365981
3Atletico Madrid363272
4Real Sociedad362062
5Valencia361362
6Malaga36454
7Real Betis36-352
8Rayo Vallecano36-1749
9Sevilla36447
10Getafe36-1147
11Espanyol36-644
12Athletic Bilbao36-2044
13Real Valladolid36-543
14Levante36-1842
15Granada36-1839
16Osasuna36-1636
17Deportivo La Coruna36-2035
18Real Zaragoza36-1934
19Mallorca36-3132
20Celta Vigo36-1831