TEAM NEWS: Real Madrid - Lopez, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Alonso, Illarramendi, Di Maria, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema. /// Rayo Vallecano - Ruben, Arbilla, Ze Borja, Rat, Saul, Trashorras, Falque, Rochina, Bueno, Larrivey.

Ancelotti must be a little concerned by his side's lack of control in the second half. Having said that, Rayo are a good side on the ball. Where they struggle is creating opportunities in front of goal.

The ball bounces about the Rayo penalty area but they clear in the end. Benzema had combined well with Di Maria down the left before zipping a ball into Ronaldo, but Rat stuck with him to make the tackle.

Bale plays a driven ball into Benzema, but there are too many players between the Welshman and the striker and the ball is picked up by Ruben.

Ronaldo looks to be through on goal and round the keeper but the flag is up. He was in an offside position when the pass was played to him from Di Maria. Good decision by the linesman.

Jose Carlos has given Coentrao problems since coming on for Rochina, but although he has almost every trick in the book the one trick he lacks is a decent cross into the box. Get it in there!

Rayo Vallecano have started the second half well and are keeping the ball well as they try to feel their way back into the contest.

Ronaldo is still on the pitching. After picking up a knock in the first half I kind of expected him to be hooked at the break, considering the fact that they face Dortmund during the week.

So can Real Madrid up their game in this second half? It's not like they were troubled much before the break, but from an attacking perspective they were a little laboured in the opening 45 minutes.

We're back under way at the Bernabeu!

What did you make of the first half? Can Real Madrid do better? And if so, how? Tweet me (@grahamruthven)!

Real Madrid have rarely been troubled by Rayo Vallecano, but they've done just enough to be ahead at the break. It has been laboured at times and the front three aren't quite clicking but there's not too much for Ancelotti to be worried about.

HALF TIME: Real Madrid 1-0 Rayo Vallecano

One minute of stoppage time to be played.

As dangerous as they have looked at times, Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo have yet to truly click in this game. That might be a worry for Ancelotti, because his side can't afford any more slip ups this season.

Real Madrid have taken their foot off the pedal in the last few minutes. The pace of the game has dropped. It's almost as if both teams are just waiting for the break. To be honest, I think the contest could do with a break.

Rayo Vallecano waste a good chance from a set piece. Instead of playing the ball into the box Jose Carlos decides to try and catch out Lopez at his near post, and drags the ball horribly wide.

Di Maria waits and waits to pick a pass, by which time there are about four Real Madrid players offside. He needed to play it quicker!

Ramos is breaking forward at almost every possible opportunity. Has Gerard Pique been whispering in his ear during the Clasico? Alonso and Illarramendi look somewhat perplexed as the defender surges past them.

It's quite incredible that this scoreline has remained at 1-0 for so long. Real Madrid have had chances to double their lead but haven't taken them.

Oh dear. Bale beats Rat for pace and makes his way into the box, clean through on goal. But just as he winds up his shot he kicks the turf and falls over. Whoops! Ronaldo appeals for a spot kick. Don't think so Cristiano.

Illarramendi breaks from midfield and tries to set Bale free down the left side, but Rat comes across the cut out the pass. The Real Madrid midfielder probably should have kept hold of the ball a bit longer.