Real Madrid know that only a win against Rayo Vallecano will take them back to the top of the table on Monday night, but they will do so without Karim Benzema.

The French forward has been struggling with his fitness all season and had missed the previous three matches prior to Wednesday night’s win against Celtic. Benzema came on for 26 minutes and looked sharp, but has missed training ever since.

Speaking to Marca ahead of the match against Rayo, Ancelotti confirmed he would be absent.