Celta come forward again and Nolito makes his way into the box on the left before tumbling in the box under a challenge from Carvajal. It is not a penalty, though, and not even a corner as the ball came off the Celta man last.

Sloppy stuff from Real Madrid at the start of the second half and it almost costs them as a cross from the left finds Fabian Orellana in acres of space, but the Celta player steers his shot just past the far post. That is a let-off for Real.

Opta Jose:, external Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi attempted more passes than any other player in the first half - 34.

The second half is under way. What have Celta Vigo got to throw a spanner in Real Madrid's record-equalling aspirations?

Opta Jose:, external Cristiano Ronaldo has scored six of Real Madrid's last seven league goals against Celta Vigo.

He has also now scored 10 in five-and-a-half games against Celta and has scored in every La Liga game in the Bernabeu stretching back over a year.

Image source, AFP

This is becoming a familiar sight - the Real Madrid players embrace in celebration at yet another Cristiano Ronaldo goal.

Image source, Getty Images

Do you get the impression that Celta Vigo are a little bit annoyed at the awarding of that penalty?

Jared Maobe:, external I thought mediocre refereeing was a preserve of the Premier League, but it is even in Spain! That was a dive by Ronaldo, not a penalty.

Real are on course for a Spanish record-equalling 18 straight wins courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial penalty, awarded for the slightest of nudges on the forward by Jonny Castro. Real have been the better side, but they have not been at their flowing best. Regardless, it is up to Celta to produce something now, otherwise this Real machine will march on into the record books.

Nolito swings the ball in but Toni Kroos is able to clear with a header. And that is your lot for the first 45 minutes.

We are into first-half stoppage time and Celta have a chance to deliver a free-kick into the box during the one added minute...

Pressure is on Celta now to make something happen. Michael Krohn-Dehli's shot from the edge of the box is deflected behind but Nolito's corner is dealt with well by the home defence.

Image source, Reuters

Tell you what, if Ronaldo's penalty was a harsh call on Celta, they could have had no complaints if one had just been given for a clear foul on Gareth Bale in the box. the Welshman was wrestled to the ground as Toni Kroos swung over a corner. Luckily for Celta the ref and his assistants didn't see it.

It is almost 2-0 to the home side. Marcelo cuts past a man on the left byline and has time to fire a low cross across goal in the direction of Karim Benzema, but Jonny gets in there first to clear.

James Rodriguez kicks out after being felled and picks up a yellow card. The Colombian then draws a good save out of Sergio Alvarez with a low shot from the edge of the box.

Jonny was not the only man to pick up a booking during the Celta protests. Nolito was also carded. You can see their point as well, as Ronaldo made a lot of very minimum contact from Jonny to win the penalty. There were hands on his back, but enough to fell him? I doubt it.

Image source, Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo makes no mistake from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way and stroking the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. That is 27 for the season for the 29-year-old.

Here is the opening Real have been waiting for. Marcelo's pass into the box is aimed for Ronaldo, who gets ahead of Jonny before tumbling. It looks like his heels were clipped. Jonny is booked and Ronaldo will take the spot-kick...

James Rodriguez was amongst the goals midweek in the Copa del Rey and he almost had himself another with a shot on the turn that is just too close to Sergio Alvarez. The keeper dives and saves.

Celta have survived 30 minutes. They've not offered much but they haven't been completely under the cosh either. Real need to move to ball quicker if they are to break down a well-drilled away side. Celta are just hoping to be able to spring that one decisive break.