Good evening and welcome to our LIVE coverage of tonight’s La Liga clash between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid at Vallecas.

The full-time whistle goes, and Real Madrid have finally sealed a crucial 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in this rearranged La Liga encounter, and it's a big win for Jose Mourinho's side as they move to within eight points of Barcelona after a faltering start to their campaign.

Ronaldo and Higuain exchange passes in the Rayo half, and they are happy to see out time now.

Alonso loses the ball in midfield to Lass, and that's very rare!

There will be three added minutes at the end of this second half as Arbeloa gets to his feet very gingerly.

Arbeloa is rolling around on the ground now after a challenge from Lass, and he will need treatment.

Ronaldo is exasperated as he miscontrols the ball after charging forward, and that could have been a clear opportunity.

Marcelo brings the ball away from the back for Real after intercepting a cross from Piti out on the left.

Alonso, at the other end of the field, attempts a through ball to Ronaldo, but it doesn't quite come off this time.

Higuain wins another free kick as Delibasic impatiently slides in as he looks to retrieve possession.

Alonso does brilliantly to intercept a potentially dangerous through ball from Fuego, and he sweeps up before clearing.

Higuain attempts an audacious flicked through ball for Ronaldo, but the forward is caught offside as he makes the run.

Rayo make another change as Nickie Bille replaces Jose Carlos.

Higuain is doing superbly for Real as he continues to drop inside and hold up the ball, drawing fouls from the hosts.

Higuain wins a free kick on halfway as he drops inside to pick up the ball and hold it up.

Rayo keep the ball out on the right as Casado and Fuego exchange passes, and Real are content to sit off now.

Roberto Trashorras replaces Tito now as Rayo make their second change.

Essien produces a quite brilliant through ball for Higuain out on the right, but he is just offside as the flag goes up.

Pepe is again injured (well, you know...) as he holds his face after a challenge with Delibasic, and he makes his way to the touchline.

Ronaldo returns the favour as he sets up Higuain with a deft pass, but the Argentine cannot finish either as he drives his shot wide!

That really was a sitter from Ronaldo, who cannot believe what he has done.