Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Madrid: Karim Benzema but not much else

Karim Benzema scored a late winner as Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of LaLiga to nine points.

Second-placed Sevilla play local rivals Real Betis, who are third, on Sunday, when they could cut the gap back to six points.

Madrid were not at their best in Vallecas but still left with the points thanks to Benzema's 83rd-minute winner after good play with Vinicius Jr.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had earlier made two fine saves to keep the home side out, from Mario Suarez and Alvaro Garcia.

"I'm very satisfied with the effort, the commitment, the intensity of the team -- we won," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the game.

"It was difficult with the atmosphere, the opponent, the pitch, it was complicated so I think we did well, not many teams have won here. It was a game that had to be like that, and we delivered."