Real Madrid got back to winning ways in LaLiga after defeating Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.
Brazilian Vinicius Junior, who was racially abused against Valencia on Sunday and red-carded with the latter overturned was left out of the side as Rodrygo Goes returned as well as Federico Valverde.
The visitors looked for the earlier advantage and came within inches through a half-volley on the edge of the area by Oscar Valentin following a loose clearance, but Thibaut Courtois tipped over.
Carlo Ancelotti's charges encountered more pressure before the closing period of the first half with Unai Lopez particularly in sight to the breakthrough but to no avail.
Madrid needed a while to get going though were ahead following the half-hour mark when Karim Benzema latched on Valverde's through pass and rounded Stole Dimitrievski to slot in.
The French star almost had a brace on the brink of halftime from a cleverly worked shot in the area after Rodrygo's cutback, but Dimitrievski's outstretched palm parried him.
Los Blancos were keen to add to their tally minutes after the interval as a pin-point pass in space from Luka Modric spotted Dani Carvajal at the far post, but he went over.
Ancelotti introduced a maiden alteration for the host around the midway exchanges of the second half which saw Valverde sacrificed and Dani Ceballos brought on.
Rayo's fortunes turned in the last seven minutes and levelled when Raul de Tomas dropped in space in the area and applied a quick one-touch finish.
Los Blancos did have the last say though as possession turnover resulted in a pass to Rodrygo on the edge of the area and the latter cut an angle to curl in.
Madrid managed to see out the final seconds to the end of the match and picked up the points to return to winning ways.
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