We're under way at Vallecas! It's Rayo Vallecano against Real Madrid in La Liga!

Now the home side comes forward on the counter attack, with Bueno cutting inside to ping off a shot at goal. But his curling effort flashes past the far post with Casillas unconcerned.

Big opportunity for Real Madrid to take the lead! Carvajal gets down the right side well before squaring a pass to James who is free on the edge of the box, but he shoots straight at Cobeno.

Almost a blunderous mix-up between Varane and Casillas! The French defender almost pokes a back pass past the goalkeeper, but he recovers and takes a touch before clearing.

The first chance of the game falls to Ronaldo, who takes a cross-field pass first time on the volley from a tight angle down the left. But his effort flashes across the face of goal. Good idea.

I'm Graham Ruthven and you can contact me on Twitter to let me know your thoughts throughout the game. Is this a must-win match for Real Madrid? Is Ancelotti right to start James over Isco? Tweet me!

Ronaldo scored five against Granada in the 9-1 win at the weekend, but he could have had many more. He will be keen to bag a couple more tonight, especially with Messi scoring against Almeria earlier.

Carvajal has come into the Real Madrid starting lineup, with Arbeloa suspended after the weekend win over Granada. Other than that, it's as you were for Ancelotti's team tonight.

This could be a tricky game for Real Madrid. They struggled here last season, going 3-0 up before hanging on for the win at 3-2. This is a difficult place to come. I expect a well contested game.

Ramos need to make sure that he got there. Manucho was ready to pounce in behind the Spanish centre-back, but he makes the header to prevent the cross from making it through.

James has kept his place in the starting lineup for this game, despite calls from some sections of the Spanish press for Isco to start in his place. James was impressive against Granada.

The pressure is on Real Madrid. They find themselves seven points behind Barcelona in La Liga after the Catalans' win over Almeria. They must win tonight if they are to keep their title challenge alive.

TEAM NEWS: Rayo Vallecano - Cristian, Tito, Amaya, Ze Castro, Nacho, Fatau, Trashorras, Embarbia, Kakuta, Bueno, Manucho. /// Real Madrid - Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, James, Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale.