Karim Benzema and Real Madrid left it late to go nine points clear at the top of LaLiga with a 1-0 win at Rayo Vallecano.

Madrid entered Saturday's contest with the chance to stretch their advantage over second-placed Sevilla but laboured for long periods against a side on a four-game losing streak.

Casemiro had the ball in the net late in the first half but saw his strike ruled out for offside.

Madrid struggled to exert dominance thereafter and were somewhat fortunate not to fall behind in the second half, but seven minutes from time Benzema tapped in to seal the points after an excellent one-two with Vinicius Junior.

83' | 0-1 | GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAL GOOOOOOOOAAAALLL GOOOOOOOOAL by @Benzema!! #FIFA22 | #RayoRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/MzkW0620uU

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 26, 2022