Real Madrid left it late, but Rodrygo’s late goal proved enough to see off Rayo Vallecano in a 2-1 victory that boosts their hopes of finishing second in La Liga. Los Blancos put in a blunt display as they managed just three shots on target, but eventually picked up the three points as the Brazilian curled home with just one minute remaining.The Red Sashes, who were looking to keep alive their slim hopes of qualifying for European football for the first time, made a strong start, with Óscar Valentín fizzing one effort narrowly over the bar from outside the area. Unai López and Santi Comesaña then had shots from a similar range saved, as Andoni Iraola’s side impressed going forward.Merciless Valladolid take advantage of relaxed Barca to increase their survival chancesA far-from-full Bernabeu crowd rose to their feet in a show of support for Vinicius Junior on 20-minutes, following the racial abuse the forward suffered during the weekend defeat to Valencia. Despite his red card from that match being rescinded, the Brazilian was still out injured, and his absence was telling as Carlo Ancelotti’s side created next to nothing until breaking the deadlock against the run of play when Karim Benzema burst onto Fede Valverde’s pass to round the goalkeeper and fire home.YOU CAN WATCH BENZEMA’S GOAL HERE.That strike extended Vallecano’s run without a clean sheet to a dozen outings, but they were undeterred, nearly hitting back before the break when Thibaut Courtois denied Isi Palazón, while Sergio Camello headed wide. The visitors saw less of the ball after halftime though, with Real dictating the tempo without creating any real openings, bar Antonio Rudiger heading harmlessly wide.Iraola’s side kept plugging away, and equalised with just six minutes left when substitute de Tomás converted from inside the area. That looked enough to earn Vallecano a point – and end their 11-match losing streak at the Bernabeu – but Rodrygo had other ideas, running at the defence and deliciously curling into the bottom corner from 20-yards.The result all but ends the visitors’ hopes of qualifying for Europe, whereas their hosts are back up to second.YOU CAN WATCH DE TOMAS’ GOAL HERE.YOU CAN WATCH RODRYGO’S GOAL HERE.LA LIGA – ROUND 36TuesdayCelta Vigo – Girona 1-1 (1-0)/Perez 42 – Stuani 59 pen/Real Sociedad – Almería 1-0 (1-0)/Kubo 45+4/Real Valladolid – Barcelona 3-1 (2-0)/Christensen 2 og, Larin 20 pen, Plata 75 – Lewandowski 84/WednesdayElche – Sevilla 1-1 (1-1)/Tete Morente 25 – Lamela 10/Real Madrid – Rayo Vallecano 2-1 (1-0)/Benzema 31, Rodrygo – de Tomas 84/Villareal – Cadiz 2-0 (2-0)/Jackson 20, 45+2/23.00: (2.30) Betis (3.20) Getafe (3.60)23.00: (3.60) Espanyol (3.50) Atl.Madrid (2.15)Thursday 20.30: (3.30) Mallorca (3.15) Valencia (2.45)22.30: (3.05) Osasuna (3.35) Ath.Bilbao (2.50)***odds are subject to change***
