Real Madrid have beaten Rayo Vallecano in La Liga despite a second-half comeback from the home side.

Madrid got off to the perfect start as Cristiano Ronaldo beat one defender before striking the ball into the bottom corner.

Rayo could have levelled immediately after, but Saul's shot was saved by Diego Lopez. Tito then connected with a corner but directed his header wide.

Despite good pressure from the home side, it was Madrid who had the game's next half chance; however, Karim Benzema was unable to reach Ronaldo's cross

Yago Falque then had the ball in the net for Rayo, but it was ruled out for offside.

Madrid immediately took advantage of that with their second of the night. This time Benzema was able to reach Gareth Bale's cross and headed the ball into the back of the net.

Ronaldo scored his second of the match from Bale's pass just four minutes into the second half.

However, two penalties for Rayo - both scored by Jonathan Viera - suddenly changed the complexion of the game.

Viera almost made it 3-3, but Lopez was able to tip his shot against the post.

The hosts continued to trouble the Madrid defence, but Saul could only hit his shot against Sergio Ramos.

Ronaldo was then denied his third of the night by a save from Ruben.