Real Madrid entered their La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday sitting six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos took the lead after 15 minutes through Cristiano Ronaldo, with that strike separating the two sides at the break.
It was 2-0 in the early stages of the second period when Dani Carvajal curled one into the bottom corner, before a Gareth Bale brace and late Alvaro Morata strike added gloss to the scoreline.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our La Liga coverage for the evening concludes from Madrid as Real Madrid welcome local rivals Rayo Vallecano. Back-to-back league defeats against Barcelona and Sevilla has stunted the home side's title challenge, with that run of form leaving them in third spot in the table - six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid and five behind Barcelona, who both picked up three points today, but have played one game more.
Rayo, however, have been in sensational form in recent weeks. At the start of the month, Rayo were 19th in the table and appeared to be heading for the Segunda Division. However, they have won four of their last five games in the league, remaining unbeaten in the process. That stunning run of results has left them in 13th spot, five points clear from the drop zone. It has been an incredible turnaround from the capital outfit.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Real Madrid have won each of the last five matches. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 2-0 victory for Los Blancos, who were also 3-2 winners at Rayo earlier this season. What's more, Rayo have failed to score in three of their last four meetings with the former Spanish champions, who simply must pick up all three points this evening.
TEAMS:
MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Alonso, Di Maria, Illarra; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
RAYO: Ruben; Arbilla, Ze Castro, Borja, Rat; Saul, Trashorras; Falque, Rochina, Bueno; Larrivey
So there we have it. Sergio Ramos and Angel di Maria both return from suspension for Madrid, but Luka Modric is ill and therefore misses out. Fabio Coentrao also comes into the XI at left-back. Rayo, meanwhile, are as expected with in-form Joaquin Larrivey leading the line once more. There are also starts for Alberto Bueno and Iago Falque. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes of action underway in the capital.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere in the Bernabeu. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Alonso and Illarra enjoying the ball in the middle of the park. It is vital that Los Blancos make a fast start.
CHANCE! The first chance of the match falls to Madrid as Benzema drives into the Rayo box, but the Frenchman is denied by a fine save from Ruben. Rayo break down the other end with Bueno moments later, but his cross is cleared by Pepe. End-to-end football in the Spanish capital.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bale finds some space down the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Borja just manages to clear ahead of Ronaldo. The resulting corner is delivered by Di Maria towards Carvajal, but Larrivey is on hand to clear with a towering header. Goalless after six minutes.
Poor challenge from Larrivey as the Rayo forward arrives late on Alonso, but the referee does not issue a card. The resulting free kick is played short, but Rayo close the space in the final third. Frustration in forward areas for Los Blancos at the moment, with the away side also threatening on the counter early on.
Strong pressure from the away side in the last couple of minutes, but Madrid stand strong under aerial bombardment from Rayo. Bale is on the counter for Madrid moments later, but Rat is across to make a last-ditch challenge. Plenty for the Rayo supporters to be pleased with after 10 minutes of football in Madrid.
Rayo continue to enjoy possession in the final third as Falque shows brilliant skill before finding Rochina, but Pepe steps out to clear the danger. Madrid are down the other end with Coentrao moments later, but once more the attack comes to an end. Not too much happening in terms of clear opportunities in the capital.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid to take the lead as Bale finds some space outside the Rayo box before sliding a pass towards Coentrao, who delivers towards the near post, but Trashorras just manages to turn behind from close range. Ronaldo had looked the favourite to finish from close range.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Rayo (Ronaldo)
Madrid lead with 15 minutes on the clock as Bale creates space outside the Rayo box before finding Ronaldo, who drives into the area before finishing into the bottom corner for his 44th goal of the season.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Bale combines with Illarra before striking one from outside the box, but it just moves wide of the post. One-way traffic in the last few minutes as Los Blancos take control of proceedings. That said, Rayo remain a threat with their clever moment and passing in the final third.
Another half-chance for the home side as Coentrao delivers a brilliant cross towards Ronaldo, but Lopez just does enough to clear the danger. Bale drives into the Rayo box moments later, but his low cross is straight into the arms of Ruben. It remains 1-0 Los Blancos with 20 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.
Ronaldo is involved once more as the attacker collects a through pass from Alonso before driving into the Rayo box, but Ruben just manages to claim at the Portuguese's feet. Bale has possession down the right moments later, but Arbilla stands tall to clear the danger. The rain is falling heavily in Madrid at the moment, which is creating a brilliant tempo on this fast surface.
Rayo make an early change here as on-loan Blackburn attacker Rochina is replaced by Jose Carlos. No sign of an injury so that looks tactical?! Meanwhile, another record for Ronaldo this evening...
First involvement for Carlos as the Rayo forward drives down the right before moving past Coentrao, but the linesman flags for handball, which is a harsh decision. Wonderful noise from the travelling supporters with 27 minutes on the clock and their side is responding. Moments later, Benzema loses control of the ball inside the box when it appeared that the Frenchman would have the simple task of finishing from close range.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo threatens to meet a loose ball inside the Rayo box, but Ruben is quick across the turf to claim at the vital moment. Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last couple of moments, however, with Rayo enjoying more possession in forward areas.
CHANCE! Another chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese meets a through pass from Benzema, but Ruben is on hand to make another smart stop. The home side have a free kick just outside the box moments later, however, when Benzema is felled by Ze Castro. The set piece will be taken by Ronaldo...
Ronaldo steps aside for Ramos, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. I suspect that will be the last one that he takes this season! Still 1-0 Los Blancos with 33 minutes on the clock at the Bernabeu.
Half-chance for the away side as Saul finds some space outside the box following smart work from Carlos, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Moments later, Ronaldo hits the deck and that is a worry. The Portuguese entered this match carrying a knee injury, but was selected in the XI by Carlo Ancelotti.
The rain continues to fall in the Spanish capital as the first period enters its latter stages. It has not been a vintage performance from the home side, but they are doing enough at the moment. Rayo, meanwhile, have been good in possession without really threatening Diego Lopez. Little under 10 minutes of the half to play.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Madrid as Bale breaks into the Rayo box before lining up a shot on goal, but the Welshman loses his footing at the final moment after kicking the ground. Brilliant pace from the former Tottenham attacker, but he could find that finishing touch. Brilliant counter attack.
Di Maria finds some space down the left before driving a low cross towards Ramos, but the Spaniard cannot rise inside the Rayo box. End-to-end football as the away side break down the other end with Trashorras, but the midfielder cannot find the run of Larrivey. Still 1-0 Madrid with 42 minutes on the clock.
Opportunity for Rayo to threaten from a free kick as Ramos fells Carlos outside the Madrid box. The resulting free kick is delivered by Carlos, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over one minute of the first period remaining at the Bernabeu. Rayo can be content with their first-half performance in Madrid.
HALF TIME: Real Madrid 1-0 Rayo
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Real Madrid leading courtesy of a fine finish from Ronaldo after 15 minutes. It has been a frustrating half for the home side, however, with Rayo growing in confidence and having half-chances of their own. It is delicately poised in the capital.
STATISTICS: Rayo have had more of the ball with 52%, while the away side have had three attempts, just one of which has been on target. Real Madrid have had five attempts, meanwhile, hitting the target on two occasions. That said, both Bale and Benzema have passed up terrific chances for Los Blancos.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Casemiro, Alvaro Morata and Isco. Rayo, meanwhile, have already made one change, with Jose Carlos replacing Rochina for purely tactical reasons after 25 minutes. However, head coach Paco Jemez still has the likes of Lass Bangoura, Jonathan Viera and Longo in reserve at the Bernabeu.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Another goal for the home side would certainly settle some nerves, but Rayo will feel that they can cause problems as tension rises. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway at the Bernabeu. Let's hope for goals!
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. The attendance this evening, meanwhile, has been confirmed at little over 60,000.
Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period, but Rayo are enjoying a lot of the possession, which is creating more tension inside the stadium. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final result. Fairly slow start to the half in Madrid.
Half-chance for Rayo as Larrivey wins his aerial battle with Ramos inside the Madrid box, but his header is just wide of the post. The home side break down the other end with Bale moments later, but Rat is across to make the challenge. Seven minutes into the second 45 minutes and it remains 1-0 to Los Blancos in Madrid.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Ronaldo as Benzema finds some space down the right before delivering a low cross towards the Portuguese, but Ze Castro is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment.
The rain continues to fall on this miserable evening in the Spanish capital and in truth, not too much is happening on the field. Rayo are in control of the possession, but without really threatening in the final third. Little from the home side, meanwhile, with Rayo comfortable in defensive and midfield areas.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Rayo (Carvajal)
The home side have their second of the match after 55 minutes as Ronaldo sets up Carvajal, who curls his effort into the far corner with ease. Is that game over?! Sloppy defending from the away side in Madrid.
Well, Los Blancos have not been too impressive this evening, but it does appear that they will return to winning ways in La Liga this evening. That said, Rayo remain a threat on the counter and will continue to force the issue in the final third. Little over 30 minutes remaining at the Bernabeu.
POST! Saul finds some space inside the Madrid box before meeting a cross from Trashorras, but the on-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder's header strikes the outside of the post. So close for Rayo.
Rayo make their second change of the match as Bueno is replaced by on-loan Valencia attacker Jonathan Viera, which is not much of a surprise. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match for the away side. Madrid might be 2-0 ahead, but they have been disappointing thus far. Still a large chunk of this La Liga contest remaining in the Spanish capital.
The home side make their first change of the evening as Illarra is replaced by Isco. Little over 25 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining and still Los Blancos lead 2-0. It is almost like a pre-season match at the moment with both sides enjoying possession without really threatening in the final third.
Opportunity for Rayo to threaten from a free kick as Carvajal fells Viera outside the Madrid box and gains a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting set piece is delivered by Viera, but it just moves wide of the post. Lopez moved across his goal, but it was always curling wide. Better from the visitors.
Another swift counter attack threatens Rayo as Ramos combines with Ronaldo, but Ze Castro steps across to clear at the vital moment. Rayo are down the other end with Viera moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 20 minutes remaining and it appears that Morata will soon enter the field.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Rayo (Bale)
Real Madrid have their third of the match as Di Maria drives into the Rayo box before finding Bale, who cannot miss from close range. That is indeed game, set and match for Los Blancos.
It is perhaps harsh on Rayo, who have been in this match for long spells. However, Madrid have such pace in the final third. I suspect that Ancelotti will look to withdraw Ronaldo in the latter stages ahead of the clash with Dortmund next week. Rayo look to their bench first, however, as Larrivey is replaced by Longo.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Rayo (Bale)
Bale scores his 12th league goal of the season as he drives through the heart of the Rayo defence before finding the bottom corner. Moments before, Los Blancos had made a change with Casemiro replacing Di Maria.
That is now 16 in all competitions for Bale, which is a very strong return in his first reason in Madrid. Rayo just cannot live with the pace of the home side at the moment and that is a concern with still more than 15 minutes of football to play in the Spanish capital. Madrid are in total control at the Bernabeu.
The home side make their third and final change of the match as Morata replaces Benzema, who has not had much luck in the final third this evening. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Rayo continue to commit players in the final third, which could cost them more goals.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Ronaldo as the attacker meets a floated cross from Isco, but his volley is high and wide of the crossbar. The pressure continues, however, with Isco and Morata keen to impress in the final 10 minutes or so. I suspect that we have not seen the last of the goals here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ronaldo once more as the Madrid number seven drives into the Rayo box under little pressure, but he takes one touch too many and allows Ruben to pounce at his feet.
GOAL! Real Madrid 5-0 Rayo (Morata)
Los Blancos have their fifth of the night as Morata finds some space just inside the box before curling one into the top corner. Stunning strike from the Spanish Under-21 international!
This has turned into a bit of a mauling for Rayo, who have fallen apart in the latter stages. In truth, it is not much of a surprise. The away side continue to commit numbers in forward areas and that is allowing Madrid the chance to counter every time they regain possession. Is there time for more goals at the Bernabeu?
Rayo will be forced to play the latter stages of this match with 10 men as Juan Carlos leaves the field after appearing to twist his knee. The news gets worse and worse for the visitors. Little over five minutes of this contest remaining and still Los Blancos drive forward. Bale threads a low cross into the Madrid box towards Ronaldo, but Ruben is out to collect at the vital moment under pressure from the Portuguese.
OFF THE LINE! Incredible chance for Los Blancos as Pepe takes control in a crowded box before striking towards goal, but Saul makes a fine block on the line. It is all one-way traffic at the moment as Rayo continue to lose possession in their own half. They really need full-time here.
CHANCE! Another chance for Los Blancos as Ronaldo meets a deep cross from Isco, but somehow he heads wide of the post. This could have been eight or nine in the latter stages.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Well, the scoreline says 5-0, but Rayo made it difficult for Los Blancos for long periods this evening. Late chance for Viera, but the Rayo attacker's effort is wide of the post.
FULL TIME: Real Madrid 5-0 Rayo
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Madrid 5-0 winners over Rayo at the Bernabeu. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
