Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has expressed delight at winning three precious points away at Rayo Vallecano.

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.

"We should be pleased with that. It was a vital three points. We wanted to win away and vindicate ourselves. It’s difficult to beat a team which wear their hearts on their sleeves every game, but we managed to get the win,” Ramos said after the match.

“We are pleased with the sacrifice that the whole team made and the attitude shown by the group. Anything can happen in football, but having the wrong attitude is always unacceptable. We are pleased not just with the three points but also because we were right at it today.”

Ramos also announced pleasure at his return to the first team squad.

"I’m pleased to be back in the starting eleven: I was eager to keep on picking up points and playing to my highest standard,” Ramos said, who was on the bench against Manchester City in the Champions League.

“My personal and family business is kept private. When I say family, I mean Real Madrid and what flows through my veins. I don’t know if I was left out as a punishment; I think it was to do with technical aspects,” he added.

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