Jaded Real Survive Rayo Scare

[Folami David]

Unconvincing Real Madrid survived a huge scare at rock bottom Rayo Vallecano when they conceded two quickfire second-half penalties but held on under severe pressure to secure a nervy 3-2 victory in La Liga on Saturday.
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The world's richest club by income, who play at Italian champions Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday, were flying when a Cristiano Ronaldo double and a goal from Karim Benzema put them 3-0 ahead shortly after halftime.
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However, Carlo Ancelotti's expensively-assembled side were unable to control the match against their lowly city rivals and were left reeling when Jonathan Viera struck twice from the spot in three minutes after fouls by Pepe and Marcelo.
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A valiant Rayo, whose squad is worth less than a tenth of their illustrious neighbours', came close to equalising several times and Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez saved his team when he tipped an Alberto Bueno shot on to the post in the 65th minute.
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Real's glaring defensive failings will concern Ancelotti before the Juve game but the win trimmed the gap to second-placed Atletico Madrid to two points ahead of the latter side's game at home to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.