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

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