Real Madrid survive Ramos red to defeat Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-0, despite losing Sergio Ramos to a red card after only 20 minutes.
Madrid had looked set to run riot in Jose Mourinho's 100th league game in charge after scoring twice in the opening 12 minutes through Alvaro Morata and Ramos while going close on a number of other occasions.
However, they had their wings clipped when Ramos was sent off in the 18th minute after picking up two soft bookings in quick succession.
That dismissal allowed Rayo to regroup following their early troubles and, although they could not make anything of their numerical advantage, they at least avoided a humiliating defeat which looked likely following Madrid's barnstorming start.
The result sees Madrid remain four points behind second-placed neighbours Atletico and 16 adrift of pacesetters Barcelona in the Primera Division, while Rayo slip to seventh spot.