Cristiano Ronaldo bursts down the right but Nacho recovers well to get his body between the Portuguese and the goal and shield it out for a goal kick. No fear being shown at the moment.

Image source, Reuters

Sixty one percent possession for the hosts so far. They are first to the tackle, more creative and better all over the pitch. Real need to get a grip of this.

Vallecano are still enjoying more of the ball as they look for a fifth win in six games. The circa 15,000 packed into the stadium are noisy - very noisy.

So close to an opener. Gareth Bale races into space and volleys home brilliantly from 20 yards only to see the flag raised for offside. It was the right decision as well - just. Real Madrid finally starting to get a bit of control.

No. A breather for Real Madrid as the ball drifts out for a goal kick. Real look a little stunned by the intensity of their hosts' start.

Vallecano force another corner. Can they break the deadlock?

While Real Madrid have been stuttering of late, Rayo have been on fire and - with four wins in their last five matches - you can see the hosts really fancy themselves. Nothing cautious about their start.

Image source, AFP

This is a real atmosphere at Vallecano's Campo de Futbol - worthy of this Madrid derby.

Alberto Bueno goes close to a home opener, his low shot being shovelled wide by goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Real Madrid are being tested at the moment.

That should be a Real Madrid opener though. Luka Modric is sent through down the right but his pull back is blasted straight at goalkeeper David Cobeno by James Rodriguez. He should do better.

Here is a man you may remember. Chelsea loanee Gael Kakuta works his way down the right but shoots wide of goal.

This is a really energetic start from the hosts and their fans are right up for it.

Almost the opener from Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo as he volleys a shot inches wide of the far post. Ronaldo is hot at the moment after his five-goal salvo at the weekend.

The Rayo Vallecano pitch doesn't look the best. There are patches all over it. Perhaps the pitch will be a leveller. Former Real Madrid striker Alberto Bueno has looked lively for the hosts in the opening minutes.

Rayo Vallecano have started strongly as they pile forward. Real Madrid could have a game on their hands.

What can he do tonight?

Game on.

Rayo Vallecano: Cristian; Tito, Ze Castro, Amaya, Nacho; Fatau, Trashorras; Kakuta, Bueno, Embarba; Manucho.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, James; Bale, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona go seven points clear. Can Real Madrid react against Rayo Vallecano? We are about to find out.

It is all too easy as Barca break, Pedro squares and Luis Suarez grabs his second from close range.

Have a heart referee. Jimenez Ortiz scores the best goal of the match as his overhead kick flies into the back of the net but the linesman's flag is up. He deserves better. That was absolutely brilliant.