Real Madrid put on a show to defeat minnows Rayo Vallecano 10-2 at the Estadio Santiago Bernebau on Sunday evening.
Despite the Christmas break looming, it was business as usual for Los Galacticos with their aim set firmly on lessening the gap between themselves and league leaders Barcelona.
It took the hosts only three minute to gain the advantage with a goal from defender Danilo. His efforts were more than matched by Rayo with two goals from Antonio Amaya and Jozabed. However it never appeared as though Real would be defeated in the match as their momentum was strong and the opposition defence was poor at best.
A Tito tackle against Toni Kroos saw the defender reduce his side to 10 men with Gareth Bale’s header equalising for Los Blancos. Things went from bad to worse for Rayo with Raul Baena also sent off for a tackle on Sergio Ramos and with him his side’s hope of maintaining a somewhat tidy scoreline.
Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty while another Bale goal gave the hosts a 4-2 lead at the break.
James Rodriguez was the provider of the goods for the hosts as he set up Frenchman Karim Benzema who slotted home goal number five. Ronaldo made it six with a stunning header from a James left-wing cross.
While Rayo did attack where possible, it only left them exposed with the Welshman scoring their seventh in the 61st minute of play. Bale scored his fourth only a minute later with a simple finish.
Benzema scored the final two goals to seal a resounding victory for the Madridistas.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 6.5: Did not have to do much as the action was in the other goal square but did concede two goals.
Pepe – 4: Okay against nine men but struggled when Rayo had a full squad. Concentration lapsed several times.
Marcelo – 4.5: Began to overlap as normal once the opposition were down to nine men.
Sergio Ramos – 6: An easy defensive game for him. Had several scoring opportunities yet could not manage to convert.
Danilo – 6.5: Played well in attack after the two red cards and scored the opener. However lost his man and allowed Rayo to equalise in the first term.
James Rodriguez – 9: The star of the show. Despite not scoring, the Colombian was assisting all over the pitch for his team. The lack of defence meant he could run rampant on the opposition.
Toni Kroos – 6: Forced the issue on the ball and drew the foul that led to Tito’s red card.
Gareth Bale – 10: Consistently ruthless in front of goal and scored his four goals with ease.
Luka Modric – 7: The nine-man Rayo meant the star could easily play his game and was able to put passes forward with ease.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 8: Converted the penalty but missed a few chances.
Karim Benzema – 9: Maintained his composure up front and scored three in the win.
Substitutes
Alvaro Arbeloa – N/A: Not very much to do.
Mateo Kovacic – 5: Provided the assist for Benzema’s fourth.
Lucas Vazquez- 5 – Consistent yet should have been awarded a penalty following pressure from Nacho.
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