Los Blancos found Rayo a tough nut to crack at the Vallecas, but secured their 14th straight win over the hosts with two efforts in the second period.

Real Madrid end the night where they started - four points behind league leaders Barcelona.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed.

James Rodriguez (R) of Real Madrid CF competes for the ball with Mohammed Fatau (L) of Rayo Vallecano de Madrid during the La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Vallecas Stadium on April 8, 2015 © Getty Images

RAYO VALLECANO

Goal

David Cobeno: Was not initially selected, but came into the XI after Sergio Alvarez picked up an injury in the warm-up. Made some good saves in Madrid. (6/10)

Defence

Tito: Had an incredible chance to find the back of the net late on, but the right-back, who got forward on plenty of occasions, somehow fired wide from an excellent position. (6/10)

Antonio Amaya: Was extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty after chopping Ronaldo to the ground inside the box. Also picked up a booking for a poor tackle on Gareth Bale. (6/10)

Ze Castro: Had a strong game in Madrid. Won a host of aerial battles and was also impressive on the deck. The pick of his side's back four on the night. (7/10)

Nacho Martinez: Like Tito, Nacho was always prepared to break forward and despite causing some problems, the full-back's delivery was a little disappointing. (6/10)

Midfield

Mohammed Fatau: Given a rare start in the middle of the park and the 22-year-old had a solid game until being replaced just before the hour mark. (6/10)

Roberto Trashorras: Had a wonderful chance to score in the first period, but saw his point-blank header saved by Casillas. Had an impressive night at the Vallecas. (7/10)

Gael Kakuta: Was arguably the best player on the pitch in the first period as he caused absolute havoc. Faded in the second half, but it was still a good night for the Frenchman. (7/10)

Attack

Adri Embarba: Like Kakuta, Embarba had a brilliant first period, with his crossing causing a host of problems for the visitors. Eventually departed late on for Javier Aquino. (7/10)

Manucho: Threatened to run riot in the first half as his presence completely unnerved Real Madrid. Could not make the breakthrough, but still had a good night. (7/10)

Alberto Bueno: Slightly off-colour performance from the striker, who is the top scoring Spaniard in La Liga this season. It never really happened for him. (6/10)

Substitutes

Jozabed Sanchez: Replaced Fatau in the middle of the park, but failed to offer his defence adequate protection in the final 25 minutes. (5/10)

Miku: Seemed to cause problems inside the Real Madrid box late on and his presence helped create a number of chances. Decent cameo from the forward. (6/10)

Javier Aquino: Only given the final 10 minutes and therefore did not really have enough time to make his mark. Has not been too involved this season. (5/10)

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with his teammate Gareth Bale after scoring a penalty during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Ludogorets Razgrad and Real Madrid at the Vassil Levski stadium in Sofia on October © Getty Images

REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Has faced a lot of criticism over the last 12 months, but the Spaniard was excellent here. Made a host of super saves - including a standout stop to deny Trashorras. (8/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Was a little wasteful in the first period, but the Spaniard came up trumps in the second half when he set up the opening goal with a wonderful cross. (7/10)

Raphael Varane: Benefitting from a regular run of games. Had a difficult first period, but grew into the match and showed good composure on the ball. (7/10)

Sergio Ramos: Manucho caused the Real Madrid back four a host of problems, but Ramos was up to the task and put in a top-drawer defensive performance. (8/10)

Marcelo: Might be a defender, but the Brazilian is one of Real Madrid's most potent attacking forces. Came more and more into the game in the latter stages. (7/10)

Midfield

Toni Kroos: Had a couple of long-range attempts, but picked up a booking during what was a frustrating game. Not bad, but not that impressive either. (6/10)

Luka Modric: Another strong performance from the Croatian, who helped his team regain control in the second period. Such a key player for Los Blancos. (7/10)

James Rodriguez: Only returned from injury at the weekend, but has slotted straight back into the team. Capped another excellent display with a super finish for the second goal. (8/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Did not get on the scoresheet, but was a constant threat for the visitors, especially in the second half when he was moved into a more central area. (7/10)

Karim Benzema: Really struggled to make his mark in Madrid. Had bits and pieces in the first period, but Los Blancos were more dangerous when the Frenchman was subbed. (5/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Should have been awarded a penalty in the second period, but made up for the referee's mistake by heading his 300th goal for Real Madrid. (7/10)

Substitutes

Isco: Replaced Benzema after 72 minutes and moments later, Real Madrid had their second goal. Will be interesting to see his role (or non-role) when everyone is fit. (6/10)

Nacho: Hardly touched the ball after entering in stoppage time. (5/10)

Javier Hernandez: Only given the final minute or so. (5/10)