Apr 23, 2016 at 3pm UK at ​Estadio Teresa Rivero
Rayo Vallecano
2-3
Real Madrid
Embarba (7'), Miku (14')
Sanchez (53'), Angel Crespo (62'), Iturra (67'), Trashorras (73'), Amaya (76'), Rat (83')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Bale (35', 81'), Vasquez (52')
Kovacic (66')

Team News: Gareth Bale in, Cristiano Ronaldo out for Real Madrid

Gareth Bale thinks he's scored during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid on April 2, 2016
© Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo is absent from the Real Madrid matchday squad as Gareth Bale returns to the fold.

Cristiano Ronaldo is absent from the Real Madrid matchday squad as Gareth Bale returns to the fold for this afternoon's trip to Rayo Vallecano.

Head coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed that the Portuguese striker has missed out after picking up a thigh injury in training, but is expected to return for the midweek Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Jese comes into the fold to play alongside Bale and Karim Benzema up front, with Lucas Vazquez dropping to the bench despite scoring in the 3-0 victory over Villarreal in midweek.

In midfield, Toni Kroos is joined by Isco and Mateo Kovacic, with Luka Modric starting on the bench and Casemiro missing out on a place in the squad for the trip to their city rivals.

The back four sees one change as Pepe is preferred to Sergio Ramos, who begins among the substitutes.

Rayo Vallecano: Carlos; Tito, Quini, Amaya, Crespo; Trashorras, Jozabed, Hernandez; Embarba, Miku, Bebe

Real Madrid: Navas; Danilo, Varane, Marcelo, Pepe; Kroos, Kovacic, Isco; Benzema, Bale, Jese
Subs: Casilla, Ramos, Nacho, James Rodriguez, Arbeloa, Vazquez, Modric

Keep up with all the action from La Liga this afternoon with Sports Mole's dedicated live commentary here.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring a goal against Levante on March 2, 2016
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CBarcelona382945112298391
2Real Madrid382864110347690
3Atletico MadridAtletico38284663184588
4Villarreal381810104435964
5Athletic Bilbao381881258451362
6Celta Vigo38179125159-860
7Sevilla381410145150152
8Malaga381212143835348
9Real Sociedad38139164548-348
10Real Betis381112153452-1845
11Las PalmasLas Palmas38128184553-844
12Valencia381111164648-244
13Espanyol38127194074-3443
14EibarEibar381110174961-1243
15Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo38818124561-1642
16Granada38109194669-2339
17Sporting GijonSporting Gijon38109194062-2239
RRayo Vallecano38911185273-2138
RGetafe3899203767-3036
RLevante3888223770-3332