Summary

  • Ronaldo heads Real in front

  • Rodriguez curler doubles the lead

  • Real Madrid remain four points off Barca

  • FT: Barcelona 4-0 Almeria

  • Suarez scores twice; Messi also nets

Live Reporting

Andy Cryer

  1. That is it from me for this evening though.

    Thanks for your company and enjoy the rest of your evening.

    Join us on Sportsday from 08:00 BST tomorrow morning.

  2. Bayern sneak through

    German Cup

    There was also drama in Germany, where holders Munich beat Bayer Leverkusen 5-3 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the German Cup.

    Earlier, third division Arminia Bielefeld stunned in-form Borussia Moenchengladbach, also on penalties, after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time.

  3. Zlatan at the treble

    French Cup

    Zlatan IbrahimovicAFP

    Elsewhere in Europe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores a treble as Paris St-Germain reach the French Cup final with a 4-1 home victory over St Etienne.

  4. As you were in La Liga.

    So it is as you were in the La Liga title race. Barcelona still lead by four points after wins for both Barca and Real this evening. This could become tight.

  5. FULL-TIME

  6. What an opportunity. The ball falls to Tito 10 yards out but he can only volley wide. He has to score.

  7. Rayo deserve a goal at least but it doesn't look as though they will get one as another cross is cleared by Real.

  8. GREAT SAVE!

    Iker Casillas again frustrates the hosts as Manucho's downward header is parried away.

  9. CLOSE!

    Gareth BaleAP

    Gareth Bale skips past goalkeeper David Cobeno and pulls the ball back to the waiting Cristiano Ronaldo inside the penalty area. This time though the Portuguese can only side foot at Cobeno.

  10. The Rayo fans have been absolutely tremendous and still they bounce up and down and chant. They have every right to be proud of their side.

  11. Rayo Vallecano are still giving this a go but the wind appears to have been taken out of their sails. Real Madrid are in control.

  12. Join the debate at #bbceurofooty

    Jay: Unless Ronaldo scores two more in the next 8 minutes, we'll all know that the 8 minute hat-trick was a fluke.

  13. So it looks as though Real Madrid will return to being just four points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona. At half time, you wouldn't have put your money on it.

  14. Finally Real Madrid are enjoying themselves. You get the feeling there could be a few more goals on the cards as Toni Kroos fires over from 30 yards.

    Poor Rayo Vallecano, they don't deserve this.

  15. GOAL

    James RodriguezAFP

    Game over now surely? James Rodriguez shows his class as he curls the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot.

  16. Deportivo sack boss

    Victor FernandezGetty Images

    Some breaking news from La Liga as Deportivo La Coruna, who are two points outside the relegation zone, have sacked Victor Fernandez as boss.

    They lost 2-1 to Getafe at the weekend.

    Fernandez was only appointed in the summer.

  17. GREAT SAVE!

    Great response from Rayo as Nacho has a stinging 20-yard drive parried away by goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Don't write the hosts off yet.

  18. GOAL

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth BaleAFP

    Yes they will and who else but Cristiano Ronaldo?

    The Portuguese has the simple task of heading home from close range after Dani Carvajal brilliantly advances down the right and crosses. A huge goal in the La Liga title race.

  19. CLOSE!

    Hit the target Real. James Rodriguez fires powerfully over from the edge of the penalty area as the clock continues to tick down. Will the visitors get that all-important breakthrough?

  20. Left winger Adri Embarba was a constant threat in the opening half for Rayo Vallecano but he has been quieter this half.

    He does cut in and shoot straight at goalkeeper Iker Casillas though.