Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said that his side "played very well" in Saturday's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano despite the close nature of the final result.

Los Blancos led by two goals at the interval of the La Liga affair, with Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema on the scoresheet in the 14th and 38th minute respectively.

However, it was a nervy finish for the capital giants, as experienced striker Radamel Falcao halved the deficit in the 76th minute of the contest.

Real Madrid held on to secure all three points, though, and Ancelotti was delighted with his team's performance despite admitting that they had to endure periods of suffering in the game.

"The three points we have collected are deserved," Ancelotti told El Chiringuito TV. "We played very well tonight, I am very happy with the final result. Yes, we suffering in the game. But it is normal to suffer in football, is it not?"

Real Madrid will be bidding to make it four straight wins in all competitions when they return to action after the international break with a trip to Granada.