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.

GOAL! Real Madrid 1 (15 mins - Cristiano Ronaldo) Rayo Vallecano 0. Really nice goal and Real Madrid have the lead. Bale plays the ball to Ronaldo, who takes out three defenders with his first touch before rolling the ball into the far corner of the net.

With Rayo Vallecano sitting so deep, Real Madrid are being asked to control the game and pick their way though. But that's not really their game. They're more of a counter attacking team.

So close to an own goal! Coentrao's cross to the near post is almost turned into his own net by Arbilla, but the ball flashes just past the post. That was very close. It looked in for a moment.

Illarramendi tries to scoop the ball over the top of the Rayo defence but Rat does well to head away under pressure from Bale. Nice idea from the central midfielder, though.

Even although Real Madrid are playing three central midfielders, they seem to be bypassing them quite a bit, with Ramos and Pepe looking for the channels as soon as they get on the ball.

Somewhat surprisingly the Bernabeu looks quite empty this evening. It's not an especially nice night in Madrid but this is a huge game for the team. Maybe their fans spent all their pennies on Clasico tickets.

First effort on goal for the away team, but Saul doesn't get much on his shot and Lopez has the easy task of collecting the dribbling ball at his feet.

Good tempo to the game in these opening 10 minutes or so. Rayo are obviously on the back foot but when they do get the ball they look to play it out from the back. That's their style.

Carvajal plays the ball to Bale on the edge of the box, who has time and space to wind up the shot. However, Ze Castro comes out the defensive line with no fear and makes the block with his body.

Real Madrid come surging forward, with Bale rasping a ball in behind the opposition defence for Ronaldo, but Lopez gets in the way and makes an interception. That was crucial.

Remember, you can tweet me your thoughts throughout the game (@grahamruthven). Always keen to hear your views.

First sight of goal for Real Madrid and it falls to Benzema. However, the French striker can't find a way past Ruben in the Rayo goal. Ronaldo's first time rebound effort goes wide too.

Of course, this is a huge game for Real Madrid. They need to win to keep within touching distance of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who have both won their games earlier today.

Ancelotti has made three changes from the side that lost to Sevilla during the week. Back comes Ramos, with Illarramendi replacing Modric in midfield. And Coentrao has been preferred to Marcelo.

We're under way at the Santiago Bernabue!