Real Madrid closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to four points with a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at Teresa Rivero on Wednesday evening.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez gave the European champions the win to keep them on the coattails of Barca, who beat Almeria 4-0 earlier in the evening.
Gareth Bale had the ball in the back of the net for the European champions on 23 minutes, but the world's most expensive player was just offside when he collected the pass from Luka Modric.
Gael Kakuta was guilty of nearly gifting the lead to Carlo Ancelotti's men when his underhit back-pass almost put Benzema in, but the goalkeeper was alert to clear the danger.
Ronaldo had a great chance to open the scoring shortly before half time but the current Ballon d'Or holder could only head over the crossbar after a good cross from James Rodriguez.
Iker Casillas was forced into a save at the death of the half to keep Los Blancos level as the Spain keeper denied Roberto Trashorras's header from close range.
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Ronaldo was left incensed six minutes into the second period when he was booked for diving inside the area, and the Portuguese forward was unfortunate not to have a spot kick awarded by official Mario Melero.
Benzema was then sent scampering through by Bale's through-ball, but the France international's shot whistled past the post before Marcelo went close with a long-range effort moments later.
James was next to try his luck, and the Colombian was unlucky with his effort that flew just over the crossbar after he displayed neat footwork to find the space for the shot on 65 minutes.
Ronaldo finally made the breakthrough on 68 minutes when he headed home Dani Carvajal's cross for his 300th goal in a Real Madrid shirt.
James then made it 2-0 five minutes later when he cut inside onto his favoured left foot before firing low into the corner.
Paul Gorst
