Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano live: Vinicius Junior not named in squad

Real Madrid look very susceptible at the back here. Lejeune has the ball on the left wing for Rayo and whips in a dangerous low cross. It is only partially dealt with before it falls for Lopez again, but his shot is well blocked.

Rayo Vallecano's tactics are clear to see but they are proving effective so far. The high press continues to force errors and results in a chance for Lopez, but his shot is straight down the throat of Courtois, who is equal to the task.

Madrid work a corner short and the ball ends up with Camavinga. He looks up and delivers a pinpoint ball to Benzema at the back post but his header back across goal is well gathered by Dimitrievski.

The hosts enjoy their first period of possession, with Camavinga picking up the ball in space. He can't pick out Rodrygo but Madrid come again. The ball is worked to Rudiger on the left flank but his fizzing cross is well intercepted by Dimitrievski in the Vallecano goal.

Not much to report in the opening exchanges here. Although the visitors look comfortable so far. Valentin had a shot from distance that was well over the bar but the only action of note so far.

Rudiger and Courtois take a risk at the back and nearly get caught out before the goalkeeper eventually cleared his lines.

Rayo Vallecano get this La Liga clash underway.

The teams are emerging from the tunnel. Kick off is next!

The title is gone but there are a big three points up for grabs for the hosts today. Not only will they be eager to leapfrog neighbours Atletico Madrid into second, but more importantly, they will want to pick up the three points for Vinicius. The 22-year-old has rightly received an outpouring of emotion following the unsavoury scenes on Sunday. The team are set to take to the field sporting Vini Jr shirts in a show of solidarity.

Ancelotti’s opposite number, Andoni Iraola, has also made some changes to the starting XI that lost 2-1 to Espanyol last time out. Pathe Ciss, Oscar Trejo and Raul de Tomas drop to the bench, with Oscar Valentin, Unai Lopez and Sergio Camello coming in as part of a 4-2-3-1.

After back-to-back defeats, Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti has rung the changes. The 63-year-old has made seven in total, with only Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga and Karim Benzema retaining their places in the starting XI. Among the changes, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric return to midfield, with Rodrygo in for Vinicius up top.

REAL MADRID: Courtois, Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Nacho, Modric, Kroos, Camavinga, Valverde, Benzema (c), Rodrygo. SUBS: Militao, Vallejo, Hazard, Asensio, Lunin, Odriozola, Vazquez, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Mendy, Lopez Andugar, Rodriguez

RAYO VALLECANO: Dimitrievski, Balliu, Lejeune, Catena, F. Garcia, Comesana (c), Valentin, Palazon, Lopez, A. Garcia, Camello. SUBS: Hernandez, Trejo, Falcao, Martin, Sanchez Ponce, Chavarria, Mumin, Ciss, Pozo, Saveljich, De Tomas, Morro

Follow live updates of this La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano from the Santiago Bernabeu. The big news coming into this fixture is that Vinicius Junior misses out after being sent off against Valencia. The Brazilian was the target of racist abuse by fans and hit out at La Liga in the aftermath, saying it “belongs to racists”. He was given a three-game ban but has since had it overturned as the fallout continues. As for the game, Madrid can go second with a win while Rayo Vallecano can jump from 11th to 9th if they pick up all three points.

Kick off 18.30 GMT.