Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is congratulated by team mate Alvaro Arbeloa (L) after scoring a penalty kick against Rayo Vallecano during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Teresa Rivero stadium in Madrid. (Photo:Reuters)
Karim Benzema finished off a swift breakaway in the 13th minute and Xabi Alonso had to clear a Rayo effort off the line before Cristiano Ronaldo netted from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time.
The victory, only their second success in five games this season, lifted Jose Mourinho's side to seventh on seven points, eight behind leaders Barcelona, who were 2-0 winners at home to Granada on Saturday.
Real have already lost twice in La Liga - at Getafe and Sevilla - the same number of defeats the champions suffered in the whole of last season, while arch rivals Barca have won all five of their games.
Monday's match had been due to be played on Sunday night but was postponed because of alleged sabotage to the lighting at Rayo's Vallecas stadium.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter: @AO Sports/ and Facebook AhramOnlineSports)
Short link: