Real Madrid beat Rayo as Bernabeu rallies behind Vinicius Jr

MADRID, May 25
Goals by Karim Benzema and Rodrygo earned Real Madrid a 2-1 win over mid-table Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga on Wednesday as fans and players showed their support for Vinicius Jr who was subjected to racial abuse over the weekend.
Real's Brazilian forward Vinicius received a tribute ahead of the game after being the target of racist insults during the 1-0 loss at Valencia on Sunday.
"We are all Vinicius. Enough is enough" said a banner displayed behind one of the goals at the Santiago Bernabeu, among many other messages of support for him.
Real's players took to the pitch wearing shirts bearing Vinicius's number 20 while the captains of both teams wore armbands carrying anti-racism messages.
Many Real fans came to the stadium wearing the Brazilian's shirt and scarves, sending a clear message that they are unhappy about the abuse he is suffering in stadiums around Spain.
"Vini, it's my communion. Seeing you is my gift," one poster held by a young fan said.
The player showed his appreciation for the support he received in an Instagram post after the game.
"I love you all!!! Thank you, thank you and thank you!" he wrote.
Benzema put Real ahead just after the half-hour mark when he latched on to a Federico Valverde cross on the edge of the box and finished from close range.
Rayo striker Raul de Tomas levelled six minutes from time but Rodrygo restored Real's lead in the 89th minute, beating keeper Stole Dimitrievski with a low shot from just outside the box inside the right post.
The 22-year-old Rodrygo celebrated his goal with a raised fist gesture, a symbol often associated with social movements including anti-racism.
With two games remaining, Real provisionally moved up one place to second on 74 points, two points above third-placed Atletico Madrid who visit Espanyol later on Wednesday and 11 points behind champions Barcelona.
        Reuters