Some reports that Gareth Bale has a muscle problem. Even so it was a big call to replace him with a midfielder.

Marco Asensio tries to beat Jan Oblak - one of the world's top goalkeepers - at his near post. Oblak saves.

Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran, who seems to have been playing forever - although is somehow younger than me, is booked for a foul.

First chance of the second half is to Real. The ball suddenly breaks for Casemiro 20 yards out and the holding midfielder just drills it over the crossbar.

The second half, with one less attacker, is under way.

Wow, this is a big change. Real manager Julen Lopetegui brings off Gareth Bale at half-time - for a midfielder in Dani Ceballos.

The teams are coming back for the second half.

Real Madrid are missing the injured Marcelo's attacking (but maybe not his defending) down the left.

Back-up Nacho (number 6 below) has an average position of in his own half. Dani Carvajal (2) on the other side has offered more going forward.

Image source, Opta

It could be a good La Liga title race this season, possibly helped by the fact none of the teams look *that* good.

This is what La Liga looks like right now, if this game were to end 0-0.

Image source, .

Back...

I'm just going to get a bag of Skittles from my locker. Be back soon...

We are level at the break. It's been decent but not a classic.

One minute added for those Sergio Ramos clean-up jobs.

Jan Oblak almost does a Loris Karius. A backpass rolls to the Atletico keeeper, who passes right to Marco Asensio - but unlike Karim Benzema in the Champions League final, Asensio can't take advantage and Oblak is a relieved man as he holds onto the shot.

Image source, Reuters

For an indication of how this game is going, Real keeper Thibaut Courtois has had six more touches than forward Gareth Bale.

But Bale does have a 30-yard shot here which is held by Jan Oblak.

Image source, AFP

Corner to Real Madrid. Cleared to Dani Carvajal, who attempts a terribly (terrible) ambitious 25-yard volley which is miles away.

Thibaut Courtous again denies Atletico. It's a similar attack to their earlier one as Antoine Griezmann plays in Diego Costa, who charges in on goal and forces a good save.

Image source, Reuters

Atletico have had the ball for over a minute, Real fans aren't happy. Diego Godin pretty much playing in midfield in this move. Rodrigo has been involved about eight times there. It eventually ends with a cross caught by Thibaut Courtois.

Sergio Ramos is patched up (again) and back on (again).

Image source, Reuters