Afternoon all! Away from the Copa del Rey debacle for Real Madrid and back to La Liga matters it is then! Los Blancos have been expelled from the Spanish Cup after fielding an illegible player and in truth, it is all a bit of a mess. The Spanish giants, who have appealed the decision, cannot afford to dwell on that matter, however, as they attempt to make it back-to-back league wins this afternoon. Getafe, who have a poor recent record against their neighbours, are standing in Real Madrid's way here.

To suggest that the omens are not exactly great for Getafe this afternoon would be putting it mildly. Real Madrid have won 12 and lost just one of their last 13 league games against Getafe and have won each of the last seven fixtures between the two sides at the Bernabeu. Last season, Real Madrid were 7-3 winners in the corresponding match, while they also won 3-0 at Getafe.

Add in the fact that Getafe have gone 10 La Liga games on the road without a win and all signs point to a Real Madrid victory this afternoon. The hosts responded to back-to-back defeats against Sevilla and Barcelona by beating Eibar last time out, but they are still very much playing catch-up. Three points here would move them above Atletico Madrid and into second position, but they would still be three points behind Barcelona, who travel to Gary Neville's Valencia later this evening.

Without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news from Madrid...

So there we have it. Real Madrid are still without the services of Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Marcelo, meaning that there are plenty of changes at the back. Alvaro Vasquez will seemingly operate at right-back, while Danilo has switched to the opposite side. All three members of the 'BBC' start and James Rodriguez is included in the middle of the park.

As for Getafe, Angel Lafita and Alvaro Vasquez, who both scored last week against Villarreal, form part of a front three along with Pablo Sarabia. Brazilian Wanderson is given a spot in the middle of the park, while on-loan Elche midfielder Victor Rodriguez also starts. Pedro Leon drops to the bench for the visitors alongside Moi Gomez, while Bernard Mensah is also in reserve for Getafe here.

The two teams are in and we are now less than 40 minutes from kickoff at the Bernabeu. November was a difficult month for Real Madrid, with question marks over the future of Rafael Benitez and also the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Meanwhile, it has not exactly helped that Barcelona have been in such unstoppable form. Atletico Madrid are also ticking along very nicely at this stage of the season and look capable of challenging Spain's big two once again.

As mentioned, following successive league defeats to Sevilla and Barcelona, Real Madrid did return to winning ways last weekend with a 2-0 victory at Eibar. They also beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and Cadiz – cough, Denis Cheryshev, cough – in the Copa del Rey, meaning that Los Blancos have won their last three games since the Barcelona defeat. Anything other than a comfortable home win this afternoon would lead to more questions about the team.

Sitting six points behind Barcelona at this stage of the season is far from ideal, but it is also far from the end of the world. Victory here would close the gap to three points and Barcelona face a tough trip to Valencia later this evening. The Catalan outfit will also take part in the Club World Cup later this month and any slip would allow Real Madrid the chance to capitalise. For all Real Madrid's criticism - and there has been a lot - they have a squad of players up there with anything in world football.

In terms of Real Madrid's numbers this season, only Barcelona (33) have scored more times in La Liga this season. Benitez's side have found the back of the net on 28 occasions, but they have conceded 11 times, which is five more than Atletico Madrid and also just two fewer than the likes of Malaga and Deportivo La Coruna. The fact that Los Blancos have a number of key defenders missing at the moment will hand Getafe confidence. This man is among those still missing...

Speaking of Getafe, they will enter this match in 13th position in the table. The capital outfit have won four, drawn two and lost seven of their 13 league games this season, with a total of 14 points leaving them clear of the bottom three. That said, only four points separate 13th-place Getafe from basement side Levante at this stage, which is an indication of how close it is at the bottom!

Getafe were also in Copa del Rey last-32 action during the week, but they lost 2-0 at Rayo Vallecano in the first leg. In truth, staying in Spain's top flight is Getafe's main priority this season and not too much importance will be placed on the second leg against Rayo, which takes place on December 16.

Getafe, managed by Fran Escriba, have actually only won one of their last five league matches, but that came last time out against Villarreal, with goals from Angel Lafita and Alvaro Vasquez securing all the points. Before that, they had drawn at home to Rayo Vallecano and lost to Sevilla, Barcelona and Eibar. It does appear that it will be another difficult campaign for the capital outfit.

That said, Getafe are currently in their 12th consecutive season in Spain's top flight. They finished ninth in both 2005-06 and 2006-07, while they managed sixth in the 2009-10 season. Since then, however, they have been able to post a top-half finish and ended last season in 15th. They are very much an established La Liga team and one that should escape relegation this term.

Just a reminder that after this match, Atletico Madrid will travel to Granada, before Barcelona make the trip to Valencia in the 7.30pm (UK time) kickoff. New Valencia boss Gary Neville will only be in the stands for that one, but he will want to see a good performance. Elsewhere in La Liga tonight, Deportivo La Coruna will welcome Sevilla and Real Betis will host Celta Vigo. Plenty happening!

PREDICTION! This Real Madrid XI looks extremely top-heavy to say the absolute least, but I still expect the home side to get the job done. Getafe will sit in and attempt to make it a frustrating game for the hosts, but I can only see one team winning this. For me, Real Madrid 3-0 Getafe.

There has been some love between Ronaldo and Bale in recent weeks. Will that continue here? The home supporters will hope so! Both Bale and Ronaldo start here, as does Karim Benzema...

Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period, which will get underway in little under five minutes. The Real Madrid fans have turned out in their numbers and will expect to see a routine win. However, football has a funny way of throwing up surprises doesn't it!

KICKOFF! Can you imagine the noise if Getafe managed to take the lead? The white handkerchiefs would be out very early! You just get the feeling that Real Madrid have to win this game. Not need to, but have to. Right, it is the away side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway...

... it must be said that the pitch is in beautiful condition this afternoon, while it is a mild day in the Spanish capital. Around 200 Getafe supporters have made the short trip to support their team here. As expected, Real Madrid have taken control of the possession in the early moments in Madrid.

Getafe have not really been allowed to put a glove on Real Madrid in the early moments, with the home side very much on the front foot. Vasquez, who is playing right-back, delivers towards the far post, but Wanderson is on hand to clear the danger and Getafe eventually force a goal kick.

That did not take long! The home side make the breakthrough in the fourth minute as Pepe delivers a sensational cross towards Benzema, who has the simple task of volleying home from inside the box. Not sure about the defending from Getafe, but it is indeed 1-0 to Real Madrid here.

Fran Escriba would have wanted his team to get through the opening 10, 15 minutes here without conceding, but they are already 1-0 behind and that will really settle Real Madrid, who have a spring in their step on the counter here. This could well be a long afternoon for the visitors!

Benzema has made a very bright start to this match and the Frenchman does well to win a free kick from Alexis after a through pass from Modric. Ronaldo stands over the set piece...

... SAVE! Guaita manages to tip Ronaldo's stinging strike wide of the post!

Getafe just cannot get into this game at the moment as Real Madrid continue to dominate the ball. Vasquez looks for the run of Ronaldo and plays a sweeping pass, but Guaita is out to collect. You just get the feeling that the away side cannot afford to concede a second at this stage of the match.

SAVE! What a stop! Real Madrid come close to scoring a second as Benzema thumps a header towards goal from close range following a super cross from James, but Guaita somehow tips it over for a corner. It is a wonderful save from Guaita and even Benzema gives the stopper a hand!

It would be no exaggeration to say that Real Madrid have utterly dominated this match in the opening 14 minutes. Getafe just cannot get near the white shirts as the ball continues to move.

Game over? Quite probably. The hosts double their lead in the 16th minute as Benzema works some space inside the box before firing one into the bottom corner. It is again terrible defending from Getafe, with Lacen among those that tried and failed to challenge the striker. Benzema again!

Just a reminder that three points for Real Madrid here would move them above Atletico and into second position, but Diego Simeone's side face Granada later this evening. The home side continue to pass and probe in the final third here, with Modric pulling the strings from deep.

This could be anything that Real Madrid want it to be. Another half-chance arrives as Benzema finds space inside the box before attempting to square into Ronaldo, but Cala is on hand to clear. It is just not sticking in the final third, however, with Alvaro hardly touching the ball this afternoon.

It is decent work from Lafita as the Getafe attacker out-muscles Vasquez in a wide position before driving into the box, but the Spaniard cannot release a clear strike and the danger is cleared. Real Madrid are straight down the other end with Modric, who looks in the mood in the capital here.

Bale finds a yard of space outside the Getafe box before letting fly, but his effort is wide.

Guaita makes a bit of a meal of a cross from James, but Alexis bails his goalkeeper out and the away side manage to clear the danger. Pedro Leon has been sent to warm up for Getafe here and it would not be a surprise if Fran Escriba was already considering changes at this stage of the match.

Half-chance for Getafe this time as Damian finds space outside the box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Little under 20 minutes of this first period remaining at the Bernabeu.

Getafe have another half-chance as Sarabia meets a bouncing ball inside the box, but his effort is deflected into the arms of Navas. It is a decent spell for the away side at the moment.

Lafita now fires one over the Real Madrid crossbar as Getafe continue to move forward.

Ronaldo has a sight of goal as he stands over a free kick outside the Getafe box, but from some 40 yards, the 30-year-old effort swings wide of the post. It was a decent strike from the attacker, but one that was always moving wide of Guaita's post. It remains 2-0 Real Madrid in the capital.

Getafe have actually played quite well in the last 10 or so minutes, but those two Benzema goals inside 16 minutes have made it a very difficult task. Benzema remains full of beans and comes wide to link with Bale, but the Welshman's final strike is straight into the arms of Guaita.

Real Madrid have their third of the match as Bale collects a knock-down from Ronaldo, before working some space and firing his effort into the bottom corner. Super goal from Bale there!

Yes Real Madrid have been impressive going forward in this match, but my word Getafe have made it straight-forward. Alexis and Cala at the back have just been all over the place here!

BOOKING! Danilo (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Sarabia.

That'll be game, set and match then. Ronaldo gets his name on the scoresheet as the Portuguese collects a wonderful through pass from Kroos before firing his effort across Guaita and into the back of the net. Lago just could not keep up with Ronaldo, who as expected, found the corner!

Getafe continue to play nice football in the final third, but every time they lose the ball, Real Madrid are breaking with pace and numbers. This could genuinely end up being seven or eight.

Lafita finds space outside the Real Madrid box before striking on goal, but his effort is straight at Nacho and the danger is cleared. Not long remaining in this first half of action in Madrid.

CHANCE! Bale comes close to making it 5-0 after collecting a loose clearance from Guaita, but the Welshman's effort is just wide of the post. Getafe really need the half-time whistle here!

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading 4-0 courtesy of a brace from Benzema and goals from Bale and Ronaldo. The 'BBC' are back in full flow, which can only be good news for Los Blancos. Getafe have played some decent football in the final third, but they have been so poor at the back. I think Real Madrid are going to win this game!

STATS! Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 62%, while they have had 12 attempts - seven of which were on target. As for Getafe, they have hit the target with one of their four attempts. There has been just one yellow, meanwhile, and that came for Real Madrid defender Danilo.

BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid have a host of options on their bench this afternoon, with the likes of Casemiro, Cheryshev, Jese and Kovacic all in reserve. Not that the hosts need attacking re-inforcements! Getafe, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Yoda, Gomez, Leon, Mensah and Scepovic. One thing is for certain - the visitors have plenty of attacking options in reserve.

RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Getafe avoid an absolute hiding here? We shall see! The hosts restart the action at the Bernabeu...

... no changes from either side at the interval, which is a bit of a surprise. I expected to see some movement on the Getafe bench, with Leon going through a vigorous warm-up at the interval.

GETAFE SUB! Excuse me, there has been a change. Lack of communication there! Getafe have introduced Scepovic in place of Vasquez. Centre-forward for centre-forward there.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Real Madrid to score a fifth as Benzema collects a loose header from Cala, but his curling effort just curls wide of the post. Could have been his hat-trick!

REAL MADRID SUB! Alvaro Arbeloa replaces Danilo, who went down holding his toe and did not look at all comfortable. Another defensive injury for Real Madrid - terrible news!

CORRECTION! Danilo left the field, Arbeloa went to go on. Seconds later, Danilo is back on his feet and comes back onto the field. No change. Well, that was quite bizarre.

Possession football from Real Madrid as they continue to pass and probe in a forward area. Getafe are just sitting in and attempting to keep the score down and you cannot blame them. They are going to lose this match, but they will not want to take an absolute hiding at the Bernabeu.

Just a reminder that after this match, Atletico will travel to Granada, before Barcelona make the trip to Valencia later this evening. As it stands, Real Madrid are moving into second position and just three points behind the leaders. Crisis? What crisis? Still there is pressure on Benitez though.

There have been a few late challenges in this game, but the referee has only issued one booking, which is good to see. I am certain that number will rise, but at the moment, the match is being allowed to flow and that is inviting Getafe forward. Little over 30 minutes remaining here.

Getafe have the chance to deliver a set piece from a wide area, but the quality from Sarabia is disappointing and Navas comes through the crowd to claim. Navas has not had much to do this afternoon, but he has once again been confident between the sticks. Super goalkeeper, Navas.

GETAFE SUB! Pedro Leon replaces Wanderson for the away team.

REAL MADRID SUB! Luka Modric is replaced by Mateo Kovacic.

Little over 25 minutes of football remaining and Real Madrid are cruising to all three points here. The second period has been very stop-start, with not too much happening at either end.

Real Madrid might be 4-0 up, but the home supporters are not exactly thrilled with what they are seeing here. The pressure is still on Benitez and you just wonder when that will be lifted. Club president Florentino Perez has also been subject to chants from sections of the home support here.

Possession football from Real Madrid at the moment as they continue to pass and probe. In truth, it is almost like a training game at the moment. The contest has long been over it must be said.

Getafe have one back at the Bernabeu as Alexis rises inside the Real Madrid box before angling a header into the back of the net. It is a super header from the centre-back. Comeback is on!

No clean sheet for Real Madrid this afternoon then. The home side are 4-1 up, but the supporters are not exactly thrilled. There is a problem surrounding Real at the moment. A big problem.

Getafe are really on the front foot at the moment with Leon, against his former club, causing problems with his ability in a wide area. Pepe gets up above Scepovic, however, which brings a counter for Real Madrid. Ronaldo buzzes around the box, but the danger is eventually cleared.

Some concern over Alexis here as the Getafe defender hits the deck and stays there following a clash with Ronaldo. On second look, the ball was actually smashed straight in Alexis's face!

REAL MADRID SUB! Jese Rodriguez enters in place of Benzema.

GETAFE SUB! Victor Rodriguez is replaced by Bernard Mensah.

End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes as both teams commit players in the final third. I am surprised that there has not been more goals for Real Madrid in this second period.

The final pass has not been there for Real Madrid in the second period, with Ronaldo frustrated once again with James. Getafe continue to play decent football in the final third here.

Kroos fires one straight into the arms of Guaita following a decent passing move.

REAL MADRID SUB! Arbeloa finally gets on in place of Pepe.

Getafe are enjoying a decent period of possession at the moment as we approach the final moments. The damage was done in the first period, which killed the game as a contest.

Navas gets down to deny Sarabia as we enter stoppage time at the Bernabeu.

We are into the second of two additional minutes here.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close at the Bernabeu with Real Madrid running out 4-1 winners against Getafe to move into second position in the La Liga table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good afternoon!