VITAL CHALLENGE FROM VARANE! Miku latches on to a loose ball through the middle and looks poised to blast a strike through on goal, with a seemingly clear path ahead. Fortunately for the visitors, the France international is on hand to save the three points with a brilliantly brave block!
89'
Four minutes of added time have been allocated by the referee so Madrid just have a few more moments to try and see out the victory before heading back across the city with all three poinst.
87'
Under five minutes remaining of normal time now and this would be such a massive win for Real Madrid here under the circumstances. They have Ronaldo and Benzema out with injury, they were two goals behind, and they have Champions League duties against Manchester City coming up during the week, but barring an unlikely comeback from Rayo they have got the job done.
85'
It was said earlier on in the match that Bale would have to step up in the absence of Ronaldo and Benzema, and he has certainly not failed to deliver. Not only has the world's most expensive player dragged his side back into the match with a goal in the first half, but it appears he has also netted the winner if Los Blancos can hold on for a few more minutes.
83'
R. Raț gets yellow.
With Real Madrid now having the lead, the last thing that Zidane will want to see is another one of his star players picking up an injury. Rat attempts to make this happen with a poor challenge on Bale, which earns him a yellow, but the Welshman should be okay to continue.
81'
G. Bale has scored a goal for Real Madrid!
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL FOR REAL MADRID! THEY'VE COMPLETED THE TURNAROUND! Rayo give the ball away in a horrendous position in midfield and the former Spurs man pounces before exploding through the middle with tremendous pace and lashing a strike under the oncoming Juan Carlos! Three-two, but he hosts have shot themselves in the foot!
79'
Zidane, in turn, makes his last change and it is slightly surprising we didn't see this earlier as James Rodriguez is finally called off the bench to replace Kovacic.
78'
R. Raț enters the game and replaces Tito.
J. Rodríguez enters the game and replaces M. Kovačić.
While Bale waits to take a free kick, Paco Jemez makes his third and final change of the match. Tito is the man coming off and he'll be replaced by Razvan Rat, who will certainly provide some width and pace down that right wing, so lets see if he can make an impact.
76'
Antonio Amaya gets yellow.
Rayo really need to watch themselves here as they are picking up a large amount of yellows, and the last thing they want in the latter stages is to be down to 10 men while Madrid probe for the winner. Amaya is the latest player to go into the book for a foul on the edge of the box.
74'
One bit of hope that Real Madrid have had this second half has been the link-up between Bale and Vazquez, which has looked fairly promising at times only to ultimately not deliver. It is the same story on this occasion as the Welshman once again fires a brilliant cross into the box for his team-mate, who just can't stretch out a leg long enough to divert a strike on target!
Minute
Description
73'
Roberto Trashorras gets yellow.
Trashorras goes into the book for a late foul on Kroos.
71'
SAVE FROM NAVAS! Rayo break forward on the counter-attack and it is Guerra who leads the charge through the middle with a powerful run. Trashorras eventually receives the ball into space before whipping a lovely strike aimed towards the top corner, but the Costa Rican stopper reads it perfectly to claim out of the air before firing high up the park for Bale.
69'
A small break in play at the moment as Kovacic and Amaya are currently down injured after a nasty collision in the middle of the park off the ball. There wasn't anything sinister involved in the altercation, but it was a hell of a knock for both men, who are being awarded with some physio treatment. They should be okay.
67'
M. Iturra gets yellow.
The yellow cards are coming thick and fast now as things start to get rather heated out there, with both sides doing all they can to try and find the elusive winner. The recently introduced Iturra, who is no stranger to a booking in his career, accepts punishment after coming through the back of Vazquez.
66'
M. Kovačić gets yellow.
65'
We get our first Real Madrid booking here and it goes to Kovacic during a 50-50 challenge with Embarba. Didn't look like there was too much in it from either player, really, but it is the Rayo man who makes the most of the knock, which sees the Croatian unluckily see yellow.
63'
L. Modrić enters the game and replaces Jesé.
Another substitution from Zidane here and entering the action is a potential game changer in the form of Luka Modric, who replaces Jese Rodriguez, who has failed to impress coming in from that left wing. The former Tottenham midfielder is a massive boost to Madrid for the last half-hour of this match, but can he make an impact?
62'
José Crespo gets yellow.
Another booking for Rayo here, as the home side are becoming increasingly more frustrated at their inability to see more of the ball. The guilty party is Aston Villa loanee, Jose Crespo.
60'
Bale goes on a signature run down the right touchline and skips past a couple of challenges before reaching the byline and flashing a cross along the penalty area with the outside of his left foot. It is begging for someone to come in and smash home but, despite Vazquez's best efforts, Rayo somehow manage to smuggle the danger clear! Unbelievable.
58'
SAAAAAAAVE FROM JUAN CARLOS! Jese breaks the offside trap and runs in behind the opposition defence before finding himself one-on-one with the keeper, but the subsequent strike on goal lacks direction and goes straight into the stomach of the Rayo goalkeeper, who does well to make himself big!
56'
What a game we have on our hands now and at this stage of the season, games can become fairly stale with not much to play for. However, today's match features a team who is going for the title and a team who is aiming to avoid relegation respectively, so all three points would be incredibly valuable to the side who comes out on top.
54'
M. Iturra enters the game and replaces Jozabed.
Javi Guerra enters the game and replaces Pablo Hernández.
Confirmation of Iturra replacing Jozabed.
A double-change from Pacjo Jemez here as he reacts quickly to Real Madrid getting back on equal terms. Coming off is Pablo Hernandez and Jozabed Sanchez, and their replacements will be Manuel Iturra and Javi Guerra, in what is fairly positive alterations from the hosts.
53'
Jozabed gets yellow.
First yellow card of the match now and it goes to Jozabed for a rather clumsy challenge on Isco around 20 yards out. The Spaniard dusts himself off to take the resulting free-kick on goal, but it is disappointingly slammed into the sturdy Rayo wall.
52'
Lucas Vázquez has scored a goal for Real Madrid! Assist by Danilo.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL FOR REAL MADRID! WE ARE ALL-SQUARE! Danilo goes on a galloping run down the right touchline and finds a yard of space before sending a wicked cross high to the back post for Vazquez, who springs up before bulleting a brilliant header into the top right corner! Two-two!
Always suspect defensively, but Danilo can certainly get deliveries into the box, and his ball this time is put away by Vazquez!
50'
Madrid have indeed started the second half with plenty of pace, however they did this in the opening to the match too. They just need to maintain some kind of ascendancy and hope that Rayo don't break away to score their third of the game!
48'
The first few minutes of this clash could be vital, as if Rayo grab another, you would fancy them to hold out and get the win due to Madrid not having Ronaldo or Benzema. However, if Zidane's men heap pressure on the hosts quickly, they do have the tools to get a goal to make the match all-square.
46'
We are back underway at Vallecas!
44'
With two-thirds of the famous 'BBC' in the form of Benzema and Cristiano now out for Real Madrid here, there is massive pressure on Bale to step up and claw Los Blancos to victory. The world's most expensive ever player has certainly proved vital already as he got a goal back with that superb header, but one or two more moments of quality are needed.
42'
Lucas Vázquez enters the game and replaces K. Benzema.
A real blow for Real Madrid here as it doesn't look like Benzema is going to be bale to continue after picking up a knock. Unclear what the problem is, but he will be replaced by Lucas Vazquez all the same, who may indeed need to step in against Manchester City this week if the Frenchman can't make it.
40'
Five minutes to go before the break now and Madrid are pounding at the door trying to find that elusive equaliser before they go in for Zidane's team talk, which won't exactly be bursting with praise you would feel. Rayo, for the time being, are remaining fairly rigid at the back, though.
38'
VITAL interception from Danilo! Hernandez takes on Marcelo at left-back and eventually gains a yard on the Brazilian before teasing a lovely cross deep to the back post. Embarba looks poised to find the back of the net with the diving header, but before he can make contact, he is thwarted by the former Porto man who just gets a forehead on the ball to clear!
36'
It will be interesting to see how Rayo respond to Madrid grabbing a goal back, as up until now they have fully deserved their two-goal lead, but with Los Blancos now smelling blood to grab the equaliser before the break, they just need to solidify themselves at the back for a few moments and guard against complacency.
35'
G. Bale has scored a goal for Real Madrid! Assist by T. Kroos.
34'
Fantastic corner from Kroos to find Bale as Madrid claw one back.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL FOR REAL MADRID! LOS BLANCOS GET BACK IN IT! Kroos takes a moment to compose himself whilst standing over a corner and subsequently steps up to whip an impeccable cross to the front post, where Bale rises high to buller a quite brilliant header into the bottom corner! Two-one!
32'
Madrid are just starting to flex their muscles now and look increasingly more likely to claw back a goal to get back into contention. This time, Danilo runs in behind on the overlap down the right flank before flashing a cross into the six-yard box, but Amaya vigilantly knocks behind for a corner kick.
30'
Benzema slides a neat pass in behind the Rayo defence and Kovacic, who is given a rare start today, displays a wonderful bit of skill to dance his way to the byline before lifting a cross to the back post. There are no takers for Madrid as everyone had dashed to the front post, which lets Rayo off the hook massively as the cross from the Croatian was begging to be smashed home.
28'
The game is wonderfully stretched at the moment and if this formula continues, it is highly unlikely we will see just two before the end of the afternoon. It is certainly entertaining to what, but questions also have to be raised as to the level of discpline is on show defensively, as at the moment there is currently zero.
26'
SAAAAAVE FROM NAVAS! Bebe, who has been terrific in the first half so far, displays the confidence that is oozing through him as he cuts inside past Pepe before unleashing a superb strike aimed high towards the top right corner. Unfortunately for him, the Madrid keeper manages to get across goal and palm to the side out for a throw-in!
24'
Just beyond the midway point of the first half now and, surprisingly, we still find ourselves with Rayo earning the two-goal lead with no response from Madrid. Apart from seeing Bale's strike hit the post, Carlos has barely had anything to do between the sticks for the home side. Who says Ronaldo isn't important...?
22'
Some worrying scenes for Rayo at the moment as Embarba is down injured after a very nasty collision with Navas through on goal after a one-on-one. The Madrid keeper was proative in his dash off his line, but the resulting tackle was a bit naughty as he went in with his feet slightly raised on the attacker, but as he is a goalkeeper, he is universally seen as the innocent party.
20'
The positive thing for Madrid here is that they have plenty of time to sort out their mistakes to try and salvage something from this game. They need to do something to try and keep up pace with Atletico and Barca at the top of the table, but they need at least two goals here, and that is assuming Rayo don't manage to find the net again!
18'
Bebe has become a figure of some ridicule within European football after his ill-fated spell with Manchester United, but the Portuguese certainly has quality and he displayed that to a high degree for the first goal. This time, he attempts to get on the scoresheet himself with a blasted strike at goal from 30 yards, but it goes high and wide over the bar.
16'
What on earth has been going on with this Real Madrid defence recently? Yes, they have been on a terrific run in the league, but throughout these matches, and in particular the first-leg Champions League loss against Wolfsburg, there has been an array of defensive errors peppered through the backline.
14'
M. Fedor has scored a goal for Rayo Vallecano!
GOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL FOR RAYO! INCREDIBLY, THE HOSTS DOUBLE THE LEAD! A corner kick is floated in from the right-hand side and Varane poorly attempts to head clear, with the ball dropping back into the danger area for Miku, who fires home from close range! Two-nil! What a start to this match for Jemez's side!
11'
Madrid actually started the match relatively well and were very unlucly not to take the lead early on when Bale struck the post with that excellent strike. The defensive issues are still extremely prominent though, and you actually wouldn't bet against Rayo scoring again the way things are going!
9'
Well, that certainly wasn't in the script for Zidane and Real Madrid, who are coming off an oustanding run of eight league wins in a row, with the latest coming against the team below them in in the league, Villarreal. A changed first XI today though, and they are taking a little time to get going whilst one behind.
7'
Adri Embarba has scored a goal for Rayo Vallecano! Assist by Bebé.
Terrific work from Bebe to earn the assist for the opener.
GOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL FOR RAYO!!! THE HOSTS TAKE THE LEAD! Bebe collects the ball down the left touchline and cuts inside with pace before riding a couple of Madrid challenegs. He eventually reverses a cross back inside and Embarba is on hand to pass home from close range! One-nil!
5'
A decent start to proceedings from both sides here in what is an outstanding atmosphere being created by the Vallecas faithful. Madrid are, of course, missing Cristiano Ronaldo today, so they will need to channel goals from some other source if they are to maintain pace at the top of the table.
3'
BALE HITS THE POST! Real Madrid almost make a flying start to the match as the Welshman is teed up around 25 yards out by Benzema before drilling a slow strike aimed towards the bottom corner, which goes JUST the wrong side of the post! Really unlucky.
1'
We are underway at Vallecas!
Good afternoon football fans! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the Spanish Primera Division clash between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid from Vallecas.
A couple of weeks ago, it looked like it would be a straight battle between Los Blancos and Atletico Madrid for second place in La Liga after supposed runaway champions, Barcelona. However, with the Catalan Giants going on a poor recent run of form, the title race has been blown wide open with all three teams ready to stake their claim as champions.
Since losing the Madrid derby against Atletico at the end of February, Zinedine Zidane's outfit have gone on an outstanding run of eight consecutive league victories, including the vital Clasico win over Barcelona. Such form has ensured that, coupled with Barca's stuttering, the capital club are right back in the mix of things at the summit of the league.
With very little margin for error in the title race, Madrid need to continue their winning streak today, but it doesn't promise to be an easy ride at Vallecas as they face a Rayo outfit who are still fighting for their lives to avoid relegation to the Spanish Segunda. Paco Jemez's charges are currently in 16th place, just three points clear of the drop zone, but can take some heart from the fact they have only lost one of their past six matches.
Even with their relatively solid form, the pre-match stats make for pretty hurrendous viewing for Rayo. The last time the two clubs met was back in the middle of December, and tonight's hosts conceded the most in a single game this season, as they were demolished 10-2 at Santiago Bernabeu. Combine this with the fact that Madrid have won their last 15 matches on the bounce against them in the Spanish Primera Division, and all signs point to a win for Zidane's men.
REAL MADRID (4-3-3): Navas; Danilo, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Isco, Kroos, Kovacic; Bale, Benzema, Jese.
REAL MADRID SUBS: Casilla, Ramos, Nacho, James, Arbeloa, Vazquez, Modric.
RAYO VALLECANO SUBS: Dorado, Iturra, Goncalves, Rat, Guerra, Yoel, Caballero.
Half-time at Vallecas. A highly entertaining clash between Rayo and Real Madrid comes to the break at 2-1, with the home side taking an unlikely lead through Embarba and Miku. The visitors look shellshocked at being behind to a team they defeated 10-2 earlier in the season, but there are signs of recovery, especially after Bale stepped up with a great header to claw a goal back to get them in contention once again. Very interesting second period in store, but with Benzema now off for Madrid, Jese or Lucas Vazquez need to step up.
Full-time at Vallecas. Real Madrid come back from two goals down to eventually earn a narrow 3-2 win against Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish Primera Division. Embarba and Miku were on target for the hosts in the first half, but a terrific header from Lucas Vazquez and an inspirational double from Gareth Bale saw Los Blancos complete the turnaround to claim all three points. Such a vital win in the title race. Thanks for joining us, see you next time!
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