Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos accidentally controls the ball onto his hand in the box but, as it wasn't intentional, he avoids conceding a penalty.

That was Gareth Bale's sixth La Liga assist of the season - which is more than anyone else has managed.

Nothing to report on the pitch since the goal.

As things stand Real Madrid remain third and go within two points of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid (who would both have a game in hand).

Image source, Reuters

No emotion from Rafael Benitez as Real Madrid take the lead. The hosts break quickly and Gareth Bale plays it into overlapping full-back Danilo - who is borderline on/off-side - and fires the ball past Yoel.

Early corner to Rayo Vallecano as Sergio Ramos has to stretch to turn Lass Bangoura's cross over with Javi Guerra waiting behind him for a tap-in.

The Madrid derby is under way. Well not the Madrid derby. A Madrid derby is under way.

The players are out and Rafael Benitez follows. There didn't really seem to be any reaction to the Real Madrid manager - positive or negative - from the fans.

Players are waiting on some steps in the tunnel now - not long to go.

Image source, EPA

Real Madrid have the chance to temporarily close the gap to two points on Barcelona, who were busy being crowned world champions today.

Having said that, Atletico - who are five above Real at the moment - will be top tonight if they draw or beat Malaga (19:30 GMT).

We want to know your thoughts - will Rafael Benitez even last the season at Real Madrid? Should he? And who should replace him?

Let us know using #bbceurofooty on Twitter or on the BBC Sport Facebook pages.

Image source, EPA

Rafael Benitez goes with all his big guns again - Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale up front, James Rodriguez in midfield.

Real Madrid: Navas, Danilo, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Rodriguez, Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale.

Rayo Vallecano: Yoel, Tito, Ze Castro, Amaya, Nacho, Baena, Trashorras, Bangoura, Jozabed, Pablo Hernández, Javi Guerra.  

Rafael Benitez probably thought life was OK going into November - unbeaten in the league since his summer appointment.

But since then they have lost 3-2 to Sevilla, Barcelona (in a 4-0 demolition) and 1-0 to Villarreal last weekend.

And while ordinarily he might have been pleased to see his old rival Jose Mourinho lose his job at Chelsea, polls of Real fans showed about 50% of supporters would like to see the Portuguese return., external

(And you'd imagine a lot of the other 50% want someone else, rather than backing Benitez)

Five points below your two greatest rivals in the title race.

Three defeats in your last five La Liga games.

And the manager who won your club's most recent title is looking for a new job.

Rafael Benitez could really do with a victory today.

Image source, EPA