Real Madrid players celebrating

Real Madrid got back to winning ways in La Liga but were far from convincing in a laboured 2-0 victory at lowly city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

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, reports Reuters.

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.