Real Madrid travelled to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday looking to move to within six points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The home side had their moments in an open first period, but trailed 2-0 at the interval following goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Ronaldo made it 3-0 in the early stages of the second half, but two Jonathan Viera penalties cut the score to 3-2 with 55 minutes on the clock.
Rayo continued to press in the latter stages, but Madrid held on to claim a vital three points against their rivals.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Spanish capital as Rayo Vallecano welcome Real Madrid. The home side have won two of their last five games in the league, but a difficult start to the season has left them in 20th position. Although three points this evening would move them out of the bottom three.
Madrid, meanwhile, currently sit third in the table on 25 points. They are five behind Atletico Madrid and nine behind Barcelona, who have played one game more. As mentioned, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were involved in the game of the season during the week as they thumped Sevilla 7-3 in the Bernabeu, with Gareth Bale among the scoring.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Rayo. Real Madrid have won each of the last four matches, scoring 11 times and conceding just once in the process. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture in this stadium last season ended in a routine 2-0 win for the away side.
TEAMS:
RAYO VALLECANO: Ruben; Arbilla, Tito, Martinez, Galvez; Adrian, Trashorras, Saul, Falque; Lass, Viera
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Alonso, Modric; Di Maria, Bale, Ronaldo; Benzema
So there we have it. On-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul returns to the Rayo XI this evening, while Jonathan Viera and Lass Bangoura start in attack. The big news for Real Madrid is that Xabi Alonso comes in for his first start of the season. Angel di Maria, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema also all start for Carlo Ancelotti's side. Right, the away side get the action underway in the Spanish capital.
Just a reminder that Rayo have dropped to the bottom of the table following Almeria's 1-0 win over Real Valladolid, which was confirmed a matter of minutes ago. It is a quite incredible attacking lineup from the away side. Bright start from Rayo as Viera drives into the Madrid box, but Ramos is on hand to block.
It will be interesting to see how Real Madrid cope with this bumpy pitch this evening, but they have not found it difficult in previous seasons. It has been a bright start from the home side, with Viera and Lass both involved. Benzema has possession down the other end moments later, but Tito comes across to clear.
GOAL! Rayo 0-1 Madrid (Ronaldo)
Real Madrid lead inside three minutes as Modric finds Ronaldo, who glides past Galvez before stroking his effort into the bottom corner. Perfect finish from the Portuguese. Some start to this match.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Rayo to level moments later as Saul strikes one from inside the box, but Lopez is down to make the save. Rayo have a penalty shout moments later as Carvajal appears to fell Falque inside the box, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh there is no question about that.
Carvajal becomes the first player to enter the book moments later for a foul on Falque down the right. You have to admire Rayo for their willingness to attack, but it does leave the opposition all sorts of space in the final third. Not what they would want with the pace of Di Maria, Bale and Ronaldo on the counter.
It has been a bright response from the home side with the likes of Viera and Lass seeing plenty of the ball in the final third. The latter delivers a dangerous cross into the box moments later, but Ramos is on hand to clear. In truth, this match is set up perfectly for Real Madrid on the counter. It would not be a surprise to see four or five goals this evening.
Alonso becomes the second Real Madrid player to enter the book for a poor challenge on Nacho Martinez on the edge of the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Galvez, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Plenty of opportunities for the home side, but they trail to that wonderful finish from Ronaldo.
It's good work from Lass down the left as the Rayo attacker collects possession before driving a low cross into the box, but Coentrao is on hand to clear. The resulting corner is delivered into the area by Trashorras, but Tito's header is wide of the post. Encouraging from Rayo there is no question about that.
Coentrao appears to have a slight problem here as he clashes with Lass, with replays showing that the Portuguese went over on his ankle. I am not sure if the left-back will be fit to continue. Stoppage in play at the moment as Coentrao is treated on the side of the pitch.
It is indeed the end of the evening for Coentrao as Marcelo replaces the left-back. It would not be a surprise if Coentrao had suffered some ligament damage there. Lass is down the right for Rayo moments later, but his cross is cleared by Ramos, who is fouled according to the referee. Still 1-0 to Real Madrid with 19 minutes on the clock.
Hold on - Coentrao has returned to the field? Marcelo had been signalled on, but there is a change at the final moment, with Coentrao returning to the field. How long he lasts is another matter entirely.
Well, Rayo might be losing here, but they have been the better side for the opening 22 minutes of football. A mistake from Carvajal allows the home side a corner, but the resulting set piece is headed clear by Carvajal, before Di Maria fires his clearance down field. Good pressure from Rayo.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the away side have just started to enjoy more of the ball in the final third. We have seen little from the likes of Bale and Benzema thus far, however, with Rayo defending impressively. However, you just get the feeling that Madrid are waiting to pounce.
Half-chance for the away side as Ronaldo finds space in a wide area before delivering a cross towards Benzema, but Ruben is out to collect at the vital moment. It must be said that the atmosphere inside this stadium is just sensational. However, I would not expect anything less from the Rayo supporters.
It is hard not to be impressed by Rayo's ability on the ball, but they are not really threatening to level the scores despite enjoying a vast amount of the possession. Real Madrid attempt to break moments later with Di Maria, but Tito is across to make a fine challenge.
Incredible controversy here as Falque has the ball in the back of the net for the home side, but the linesman raises his flag for offside. On second view, it might well be a good decision from the linesman as it took the slightest touch off Viera, who was indeed in an offside position.
You have to feel for Rayo there. Had it not touched Viera, the home side would be level with 29 minutes on the clock. Real Madrid have a chance moments later as Alonso finds the head of Ramos inside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Wonderful delivery from Alonso on his return to the team.
GOAL! Rayo 0-2 Madrid (Benzema)
Real Madrid have their second of the match as Benzema heads Bale's wonderful cross into the back of the net. Another assist for the Welshman as Benzema continues his run in front of goal. Football is a cruel game and Rayo will be feeling it right now.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Real Madrid lead 2-0 against their local rivals. In general play, Rayo have been impressive, but they do struggle to create chances. Bale is involved for the away side once more moments later, but his cross is headed clear. This could get a lot worse for Rayo.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments with Viera twice delivering deep crosses into the box, but Ramos and Pepe take it in turns to clear the danger. One goal for Rayo would at least give their supporters something to cheer about. However, another for the away side and it would be game, set and match.
The home side continue to force the issue inside the Madrid half as they pass and probe outside the box, but they have not really threatened Lopez in the Madrid goal. Benzema has possession down the other end moments later, but the Frenchman is ruled offside. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Seems to be a problem for Adrian here as the former Real Madrid youngster hits the deck in the middle of the park. Rayo are indeed forced into their first change of the match as the Spanish midfielder is replaced by Alberto Bueno.
Rayo might be 2-0 down here, but one goal before the interval would just give them hope in the second period. However, as mentioned, this type of match is just perfect for Real Madrid. They can sit deep before attacking on the counter. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in the first period. So comfortable for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Real Madrid are forced into a change in the latter stages of the half as Marcelo replaces Coentrao, who picked up that injury in the early stages. It was a surprise that the Portuguese continued for as long as he did. We are into the first of two additional minutes here.
Half-chance for Ronaldo from a Carvajal cross, but his header is just wide of the post. Moments before, Benzema just lost control inside the box following a break from Di Maria. Pressure from the away side in the latter stages of the half.
HALF TIME: Rayo 0-2 Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Ronaldo and Benzema. The away side have not had it all their own way, however, with Rayo impressing during an entertaining first period in the Spanish capital.
STATISTICS: Rayo have had more of the possession with 60%, but they have managed just three attempts to Real Madrid's four. In general play, it has been an even match, but the away side have been devastating on the counter. Meanwhile, two bookings issued for Real Madrid - one for Alonso and one for Carvajal.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have already been forced into one change with Bueno replacing Adrian. However, Paco Jemez still has attacking options in the shape of Alberto Perea and Joaquin Larrivey. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Jese Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Isco. Quite a bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from the Estadio Ramon as Sevilla welcome Celta Vigo. Be sure to remain with us for that one. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway in the Spanish capital.
One change for Real Madrid at the interval with Illarramendi replacing Alonso, who has completed another 45 minutes as he continues his recovery from injury. Half-chance for Ronaldo in the early stages of the second period as the Portuguese strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
GOAL! Rayo 0-3 Madrid (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo has his second of the match as Bale - who now has two assists - lays it on a plate for the Portuguese, who cannot miss from close range. Another stunning combination between the two.
Ronaldo now has 20 goals and we are only at the beginning of November. That is quite stunning. However, you have to criticise the defending from the home side this evening. Rayo have a half-chance down the other end moments later as Lass strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Rayo make their second change of the match as Larrivey replaces Arbilla, who has had a really poor game this evening. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals as Madrid continue to push forward.
PENALTY TO RAYO!
The home side are awarded a penalty as Pepe fells Viera inside the box. It will be on the on-loan Valencia forward to take.
GOAL! Rayo 1-3 Madrid (Viera, pen)
Viera does indeed smash his effort past Lopez to cut the deficit to 3-1. Can Rayo score another?! However, the more they push forward, the more space Real Madrid will have down the other end.
PENALTY TO RAYO!
Oh my word! Rayo are awarded another penalty as Marcelo barges into Falque inside the box. Viera with the chance to score his second.
GOAL! Rayo 2-3 Madrid (Viera, pen)
Viera does indeed score his second and Rayo's second to cut the score to 3-2. What a stunning second period. Two really poor challenges inside the box from Pepe and Marcelo in quick succession.
Rayo want a second yellow for Carvajal as Trashorras is felled by the Real Madrid right-back, but the referee is not interested, much to the frustration of the home bench. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and somehow Rayo are back in this match.
Real Madrid make their second change of the match and it is a sensible one as Carvajal is replaced by Arbeloa. The away side have a half-chance from a Di Maria free kick moments later, but Tito manages to clear at the vital moment. Finally a minute or two to catch my breath. It has been non-stop in the second period.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments as the away side just attempt to settle proceedings in the middle of the park. Real Madrid might be stunning in forward areas, but they always give teams chances down the other end. Suddenly everyone inside the stadium believes that the home side can turn this one around.
POST! Wonderful chance for the home side to level as Viera's effort appears to be heading for the bottom corner, but Lopez is across to make a quite stunning save. That is just sensational from the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
The home side continue to force the issue as they gain two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Lopez before Bale is called upon to act at the far post. What has happened to Real Madrid in the second period?! Little over 20 minutes of football to play in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for Ronaldo to threaten from a free kick as he stands over the ball outside the box, but his effort is straight into the wall. You just get the feeling that there are another couple of goals in this match. Rayo look to their bench once more moments later as Embarba enters the field in place of Falque.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Embarba to make an immediate impact as he meets a bouncing ball inside the box, but he can only turn his effort wide of the post from close range. Good grief Rayo have been impressive in the second period. Can they score another?
Yellow card for Marcelo as the Real Madrid left-back fells Lass just outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Trashorras, but his effort is straight into the wall. That is poor from the skipper. It is all one-way traffic as the away side continue to struggle to keep hold of the possession.
Another half-chance for the home side as Embarba strikes one from outside the box, but his effort just moved past the post. You just get the feeling that there will be at least one more goal in the second period. Who would have predicted this when Real Madrid scored their third?! Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and both managers have made all three possible changes.
It's good work from Ronaldo as the Portuguese drives past Tito before checking - drawing a foul from the Rayo defender and taking some pressure of his defence. The resulting free kick is delivered into the area by Modric, but eventually a free kick is awarded to Rayo as Ronaldo challenges Ruben inside the box.
CHANCE! Stunning chance for the home side as Saul finds himself unmarked in the box after collecting a rebound from Lopez, but the midfielder's effort smashes into Ramos. What on earth is happening in that Madrid defence?! Still the away side lead with 82 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Ronaldo comes close to scoring his third as he drives into the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Ruben makes a fine save. The rebound falls to Ronaldo, but the Rayo goalkeeper makes another smart save. Little over five minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid continue to threaten on the counter as Bale looks for the run of Di Maria, but the Argentine cannot collect at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that there will be another chance in the latter stages with the way that both sides are defending. If Rayo are to level, then it has to come now. They deserve it there is no question about that.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with the away side able to take the sting out of the match with a period of possession inside the Rayo half. Moments later, Di Maria wins another smart free kick for his side as he is felled on the half-way line. Little over one minute of normal time remaining this evening.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we indeed into the first of those. Time is just starting to run out for the home side as Real Madrid continue to clear each long punt into the box. Little over one minute of additional time remaining in the Spanish capital.
FULL TIME: Rayo 2-3 Madrid
So there we have it. Madrid hold on to secure all three points with a 3-2 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Sevilla against Celta Vigo. Until then!
