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Fulham are next in action against Leeds United at home next Friday in the Premier League. City face off against Borussia Monchengladbach in the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash on Tuesday in Budapest.

Manchester City have eased to a 3-0 win over Fulham in their Premier League clash at Craven Cottage this evening. The Cottagers were resilent in the opening 45 minutes to keep City in check. However, the league leaders scored three times in the second half to secure the three points. John Stones broke the deadlock with a close-range finish before Gabriel Jesus pounced on a defensive lapse to notch a second. Sergio Aguero opened his account for the season from the penalty spot after Ferran Torres was fouled in the box. Pep Guardiola's men hold a 17-point lead at the top of the table, while Fulham remain in the relegation zone.

90' + 2' FULL-TIME: FULHAM 0-3 MANCHESTER CITY

90' There will be two minutes of added time.

90' Torres has a run at Aina down the right flank, but the defender fends off the Spaniad and earns a goal-kick for his team.

87' BLOCK! Anguissa threads the needle to find Mitrovic in the box. The Serb goes for the first-time strike, but Laporte is well placed to make the block.

86' Robinson skips past two challenges in the left inside channel, but he gets crowded out before he can pull the trigger or produce an offload.

83' BLOCK! Mitrovic produces a neat touch and fine throughball for Onomah to chase in the box. He slides to connect with his strike, but Laporte gets across to divert the ball wide of the post.

81' It has been a very comfortable half for the visitors. City have been clinical since the break and are cantering towards another victory.

77' Rodri tries to release Aguero with a first-time ball over the top. The Argentine tries to beat the challenge of Tete, but the full-back covers to win possession and clear.

71' City are still hungry for further goals, and the way the Cottagers have defended in the second half, they could be on the agenda.

70' In the 13 Premier League games in which both Aguero and Jesus have started together, they have scored a combined 24 goals (nine for Jesus, 15 for Aguero).

69' Lemina takes a chance at the back as he tries to beat Aguero. The Argentine almost wins possession, but the Fulham midfielder just bundles his way through the challenge.

65' Mitrovic wins a free-kick for the home side, but Cavaleiro wastes the set-piece, curling the ball out for a goal-kick.

64' Aguero has ended a run of 13 appearances, 641 minutes of play and 24 shots without scoring in the Premier League, with his penalty against Fulham his first league goal since January 2020 v Sheff Utd, 417 days ago.

62' It has all fallen apart for Fulham in the second half. The Cottagers were resilient in the opening 45 minutes, but they've collapsed since Stones put Guardiola's men in front.

59' PENALTY TO MANCHESTER CITY! Adarabioyo loses possession on the edge of his own box trying to use a piece of skill to beat Torres. The Spaniard takes the ball away surges into the right inside channel. Adarabioyo nudges him to the ground and the referee points to the spot.

57' Jesus latches on to a ball over the top from Silva and he wins a corner off the legs of Andersen. The Brazilian has found his form in the second half.

55' Having scored just one goal in his first 170 Premier League appearances, Stones has since netted four in his last 10 games in the competition.

53' SAVE! Silva dribbles past Reed and Aina down the right flank with ease. The Portuguese bursts into the inside channel before cutting back a ball for Rodri to strike, but he smashes his effort straight at Areola.

52' The Cottagers are unable to conjure a quality delivery into the box, allowing City to clear the danger from the free-kick and a corner on the left flank with ease.

51' Lookman turns away from Cancelo before being brought down by the City defender. Fulham have a free-kick in a decent position.

49' Stones tries to clear a cross from Tete, but sees it charged down by Cavaleiro. The ball almost falls to the forward in the City box, but Ederson smothers it before he can pounce.

46' City win a free-kick on the left flank as Andersen is penalised for handball in a tussle with Jesus.

46' We're back underway at Craven Cottage.

Pep Guardiola will be slightly concerned about the performance of his team in the final third. He would rather be able to see off the Cottagers this evening without having to call on Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gudogan given their heavy workload this term. The Spaniard needs more from Torres and Aguero.

It's goalless at the break between Fulham and Manchester City in their Premier League clash at Craven Cottage. The visitors have had the best of the openings in the final third, but Bernardo Silva, Sergio Aguero and Ferran Torres have placed their efforts straight at Alphonse Areola. Scott Parker's men have been resilient without carrying a threat themselves, which leaves the contest in the balance.

45' + 1' HALF-TIME: FULHAM 0-0 MANCHESTER CITY

45' There will be one minute of added time.

45' SAVE! Torres guides a ball with his chest into the path of Aguero following a long ball forward by Cancelo. The Argentine runs into the box and drills a strike towards goal, but it's straight at Areola.

43' Parker will be thrilled with the performance of his side in the first half. They have been tough to break down, although they have not threatened the City goal.

41' Tete latches on to a cross from Loftus-Cheek into the box. He gets the better of Jesus, but Mendy diverts his low drive wide of the target.

39' Jesus capitalises on a misunderstanding between Adarabioyo and Andersen in the Fulham defence. He releases Torres into the right inside channel, but the cutback from the Spaniard is gathered by Areola.

36' Fulham have yet to have a shot or register a touch in the Manchester City penalty area.

34' SAVE! Silva weaves his way past Fulham defenders in the box and opens up space for a strike, but he sends a tame left-footed effort at Areola.

33' Aguero has been quiet for the visitors, but he wins a free-kick after being pulled back by Reed in the middle of the park.

31' Fulham whip a series of crosses into the box courtesy of Lookman and Tete from the right flank, but there's no one present in the box to attack the deliveries.

29' Lookman beats Laporte for pace down the right flank to latch on to Tete's pass. He wins a corner off the legs of the City defender.

28' Silva tries to carve out space for a strike, but he can only send a tame effort through to Areola.

26' OVER! Mendy whips the resulting corner into the box, and it is cleared as far as Torres. He lines up a strike on the half-volley that travels over the bar.

25' Mendy surges down the left flank and he wins a corner off the legs of Tete. City are finding space, but have not inflicted damage on the home side yet.

22' Torres gets in behind to latch on to a ball over the top from Cancelo. However, the Spaniard moves a fraction too soon and is caught offside. Adarabioyo made the challenge anyway for the home side.

20' Torres sends Cancelo down the right flank and he drills a low ball across the face of goal. Areola does well to read the danger by diving out to gather the delivery ahead of Jesus.

18' SAVE! Cancelo threads the needle to release Torres in the box. He fires low towards goal from the right inside channel, but Areola sticks out a boot to deny the forward.

15' Torres makes a good run into the right inside channel, but the white shirts converge and force him away from goal. 

13' Torres has space to run into in the final third and he approaches the edge of the box before finally being halted by a fine challenge from Lemina.

11' It has been an open start to the contest, and the home side are not backing down from the challenge of playing their own game against the league leaders.

9' Anguissa robs Mendy of possession and tries to stab a pass forward towards Cavaleiro, but the visitors are on their mettle to clear the danger.

8' Laporte covers at the back as Lookman gets the better of Dias in the final third, but the Frenchman halts his progress.

6' Mendy raids down the left flank and drills a cross into the box. Areola punches it clear, but it falls to Jesus. The Brazilian tries to line up a drive, only to be closed down before he can shoot.

4' Cavaleiro sends Lookman through on goal with a ball over the top. He twists and turns to open up a space for a strike, but Stones diverts it behind. However, the offside flag goes up late anyway against the winger.

4' Stones tries to send Cancelo down the right flank, but Aina is alert and clears the danger for the home side.

2' Lookman raids upfield down the right flank and tries to send an offload towards Cavaleiro, but Dias makes the interception in the box.

1' We're underway at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are winless in their last 13 Premier League games against Man City (D3 L10) since a 3-1 away win in April 2009. They’ve lost the last eight in a row by an aggregate score of 23-3.

City have made seven changes to their side from their win over Southampton. Stones starts in a back three alongside Laporte and Dias. Cancelo and Mendy play as wing-backs with Rodri and Silva in the middle of the park. Jesus, Aguero and Torres start as a front three as Guardiola opts to rest several key players for the contest.

Fulham have made two changes to their side that beat Liverpool last week. Loftus-Cheek comes into the side in the final third to replace Maja, while Bobby Decordova-Reid misses out and Zambo Anguissa comes into the fold.

MANCHESTER CITY SUBS: Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Zack Steffen, Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Eric Garcia.

MANCHESTER CITY (3-4-3): Ederson; John Stones, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte; Joao Cancelo, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy; Gabriel Jesus, Ferran Torres, Sergio Aguero.

FULHAM SUBS: Michael Hector, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Tim Ream, Joe Bryan, Josh Onomah, Josh Maja, Terence Kongolo, Fabri, Antonee Robinson.

FULHAM (4-3-1-2): Alphonse Areola; Kenny Tete, Alphonse Areola, Tosin Adarabioyo, Ola Aina; Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Harrison Reed, Mario Lemina; Ruben Loftus-Cheek; Ivan Cavaleiro, Ademola Lookman.

City responded to their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United last week with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Southampton during the week. Pep Guardiola and his men were rampant against the Saints, proving that their loss to their rivals was only a minor blip on their quest to win the Premier League crown. They cannot afford to take the Cottagers lightly after seeing what they did to Liverpool last time out.

Fulham can climb out of the bottom three for the first time since December by claiming a point. Scott Parker's men have lost only one out of their last seven Premier League games, and secured a huge win over Liverpool on the road last week. The Cottagers have been playing excellent football and have given themselves real hope of avoiding the drop. However, challenges don't come much bigger than City.

Good evening and welcome to the live commentary of the Premier League clash between Fulham and Manchester City at Craven Cottage.

That concludes our commentary of the LaLiga fixture between Getafe and Atletico Madrid! We hope you’ve enjoyed it! 

Getafe get more than a week off before their next match, playing next Sunday against Elche. Atletico Madrid have a crucial Champions League tie in London against Chelsea on Wednesday, before a match on Sunday in LaLiga against Deportivo Alaves.

Despite having a man advantage for just over 20 minutes after Nyom was sent off for a nasty stomp on Renan Lodi, Atletico Madrid were unable to make their numerical superiority pay as the Madrid Derby ends 0-0. Despite positive changes from Simeone at the restart, Atletico Madrid were not able to beat Soria, who made a number of crucial saves en-route to his side’s unlikely clean sheet. Joao Felix had put the ball in the net but observant refereeing correctly identified the ball had gone out of play in the build-up and a number of half-chances in front of goal were squandered - mainly by substitute Dembele. It was a fractious affair that saw six yellow cards and a red but ultimately, the two sides will have to share the spoils. The draw puts Atletico six points ahead of Real, while Getafe stay 15th.

90' + 4' FULL-TIME: GETAFE 0-0 ATLETICO MADRID. 

90' + 3' The fourth official indicates four minutes will be added for stoppages. 

90' CHANCE WASTED! Renan Lodi puts a fantastic cross into the penalty area, directing it perfectly in-between both centre-backs for Dembele, who can only put his awkward header wide of the post from close-range!

88' Renan Lodi puts a cross into the far post, but Llorente mistimes his jump and is unable to make contact with the delivery. It’s regathered on the far side by Tripper, but Chakla rises highest and nods the cross away.

86' Getafe have only earned 27 points after their first 26 matches in LaLiga this season (W7 D6 L13), their second-lowest figure at this stage of a top-flight season, after their 26 points in 2015/16 (also 27 in 2013/14).

82' OFF THE POST! Luis Suarez leans back and sends a cross to the far post, wrong-footing Soria in the process. Lemar gives up his chase as it looks to be going in, but it ricochets off the post and out!

81' Luis Suárez has been directly involved in eight goals in his last seven LaLiga games against Getafe (six goals and two assists), scoring in his last three games against them (one goal each).

79' It’s certainly been a much better match in the second half, with chances coming for both sides to break the deadlock. As time has gone on - both sides have opened themselves up, though they’ve not managed to be clinical enough in front of goal. 

77' Joao Felix sees his chance saved! He plays a lovely one-two pass with Lemar on the edge of the penalty area and wires a low shot towards goal, though it’s aimed directly at an alert Soria, who makes the save. 

75' 15 minutes separate Getafe from a valuable point, but with only 10 men it’s surely a matter of time until Atletico’s quality shines through. Joao Felix has been very bright in the 10 minutes he’s had since coming on, providing a much better foil for Luis Suarez than Correa had. 

73' Alena receives the ball in space outside the Atleti penalty area and cuts back before firing a low, driven shot towards the near post - forcing Oblak to dive across and push it behind with his fingertips!

72' In a change of shape, Atletico Madrid have gone from a back three to a traditional back four, with Renan Lodi and Trippier pushing up to provide extra width. The removal of Hermoso allows Simeone to fit another attacking player into the line-up, which will certainly expose gaps in his side as well. 

67' A number of alterations have not helped what has already been a start-stop affair, though with Simeone sensing that the tide was turning against his side, he has made a number of positive changes. Just over 30 minutes remain for his team to find the all-important opener.

62' Joao Felix scores but it’s chalked off immediately! Llorente gets to the bouncing ball at the byline and chips it over the head of Soria for Joao Felix, who rises highest to nod it home - but the linesman correctly spots that the ball had, in fact, travelled over the line and out of play before the cross. It ends as a goal-kick for Soria.

60' OBLAK KEEPS IT LEVEL! A turnover in midfield allows Alena to pounce, before cutting inside and switching play to Cucurella. The left-winger’s cross is nodded back to the far post for Unal, whose powerful volley is blocked expertly by the goalkeeper.

59' GETAFE GET A CHANCE! Cucurella drives forward towards the Atleti penalty area, with an unmarked Alena charging at the far post. The cross is arced well, but a sliding Hermoso breaks up the certain goal and puts it behind for a corner!

57' Close! Carrasco cuts the ball into the penalty area for the lurking Llorente, whose mishit shot from inside the penalty area is still put towards goal - forcing a diving parry from Soria!

55' Carrasco is charged with taking the free-kick, but his delivery to the edge of the 18-yard box goes unmet by a team-mate.

54' Trippier is taken down in midfield following a turnover in possession - giving Atletico Madrid a free-kick in a dangerous position on the right.

52' Joao Felix tries to burst forward through midfield but Arambarri refuses to let that happen, holding the Portugal international’s shirt the entire time - forcing the referee to blow the whistle and award Atleti a free-kick.

50' Simeone has decided to make an offensive switch right at the outset of the second half, in full recognition of the necessity of the victory. With a crucial tie in midweek against Chelsea on the horizon though, it’s not a decision the coach takes lightly.

48' CHANCE! Hermoso charges forward an an offensive foray and gets into a great position on the left side of the penalty area after a one-two with Carrasco. The move ends in disappointing fashion though as Correa is unable to get a shot away following the centre-back’s incisive pass.

46' Atletico get the match restarted from the kick-off! 

The impetus in the second half falls squarely on the shoulders of Atletico Madrid, who’ll need a victory if they wish to go eight points ahead of Real Madrid in the table. Getafe will no-doubt settle for a point against the league leaders - which would take them five clear of the drop. Should he need to change something from the bench, Simeone has no shortage of options, with Lemar, Dembele, Vitolo and Joao Felix all available at a moment’s notice to ask the defence new questions. It remains to be seen how open Atletico Madrid will allow themselves to be, in search of that all-important opener.

As expected, it was a cagey and defensive first half, with both sides ensuring that their shape and organisation is maintained before any thoughts of pushing forward. Atletico were unsurprisingly the more dominant of the two, dominating possession and the total number of passes - though they were able to do precious little with all their time on the ball, managing just two efforts on target in the first 45 minutes (the only two on-target shots in the match). 

45' + 3' HALF-TIME: GETAFE 0-0 ATLETICO MADRID. 

45' + 1' OBLAK ALMOST COSTS HIS SIDE! Alena fires a routine shot on-goal from the edge of the 18-yard box, which the goalkeeper catches simply before inexplicably spilling it in front of him. Maksimovic sprints forward and gets onto the loose ball, but he’s unable to turn it into the empty net as the chance goes begging!

44' The fourth official indicates two minutes will be added to the first half for stoppages. 

42' With less than five minutes to go in the first half, it doesn’t appear as though either side will find the breakthrough. There’s no doubt that Jose Bordalas will be the happier of the two coaches - as a draw is a good result for his side.

40' Trippier chips a great cross into the penalty area for Suarez, who is again unable to control the ball following a good delivery - letting it roll across to the far wing.

39' CHANCE! Following a long throw-in, Carrasco has the time to swing his left at a half-volley from the edge of the 18-yard box. It’s an athletic effort, but the strike sits up comfortably for Soria, who is able to catch the strike at head height.

37' Atletico have only won two of their last seven Madrid derbies in LaLiga (D3 L2), after having won the previous four in the competition without conceding a single goal.

35' Carrasco looks for Suarez again with a low, driven cross - but the ball skips over the foot of the striker and bounces through comfortably for Soria.

33' Carrasco cuts inside with intent and lays the ball off for Suarez, who misses the ball entirely from inside the penalty area, giving Getafe’s defence a moment to reorganise.

31' A sloppy pass in midfield from Arambarri allows Correa to step across and win possession, but the forward is forced to stop and pass backwards after four Getafe defenders converge out of seemingly nowhere to close the space.

29' A bit of a fracas on the right wing sees both Gimenez and Nyom dropped to the floor in physical duels, though Atletico Madrid are given a free-kick to clear their lines as Hernandez is deemed the guilty party.

27' It’s been a cagey stop-start first 30 minutes to the contest - not at all surprising given the two sides in this contest. Both coaches will no doubt start their assessments pleased with a clean sheet, though there is certainly room to be critical of the lack of attacking intent.

25' Gimenez sprays a lovely ball forward for Trippier, who is able to get behind Cucurella, but the linesman is perfectly placed to raise his flag as soon as the right-back gets onto the ball - as he was unable to keep onside during the build-up.

23' Getafe have lost their last four Madrid derbies in LaLiga without scoring, while they have never registered five defeats without a goal in such fixtures in the top-flight.

21' Alena takes Getafe’s corner from the right to Olivera, but his weak connection fails to get the ball towards Oblak’s goal with any real conviction.

19' Soria comes off his line to punch the corner away, but he flaps at and misses the delivery. It’s hooked towards goal by Savic before a defender is able to volley away the danger.

17' Trippier and Llorente combine down the right to win a corner in Cucurella’s absence, but the Getafe winger returns to the fray before the set-piece is taken.

15' Cucurella rises to his feet and slowly walks off the pitch alongside a member of the Getafe medical staff, who is tending to a profusely bleeding nose. Play resumes with both involved players off on the touchline.

13' Play is stopped for both Cucurella and Trippier after the two get involved in a nasty clash of heads following Nyom’s cross into Oblak’s penalty area. Atletico’s right-back seems to have shaken off the damage - while Getafe’s winger remains down.

11' Arambarri fires a free-kick into the penalty area after Hernandez was fouled near the touchline by Gimenez, but Olivera’s weak stab towards goal after an initial defensive header fails to trouble Oblak.

9' Nyom beats his man on the right and cuts back, firing a cross to the far side of the penalty area for Olivera - who is unable to reach the delivery.

8' CLOSE! After a lovely passing move, Correa plays Carrasco into the penalty area with an incisive throughball, but his eventual shot is parried well and pushed behind for a corner.

6' Getafe win a free-kick of their own in a similar position outside of Atletico’s penalty area on the left, but Alena’s poor delivery is put right into the arms of Oblak.

4' Carrasco delivers the free-kick with accuracy to the far post, but Suarez’s rushed header ahead of team-mate Gimenez is popped up and over the crossbar.

3' Following a cleared Carrasco corner, Trippier does well to get to the loose ball ahead of Cucurella, winning a free-kick on the right flank.

1' Getafe get the match underway from the kick-off! 

Atletico Madrid make three changes to the XI that beat Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Gimenez returns to the heart of the defence in place of the suspended Felipe, while Saul’s inclusion leaves no space for Lemar. The final switch is in attack - as Correa replaces Joao Felix. 

Getafe make three changes from their 2-1 defeat to Real Valladolid last time out. Chakla replaces Erick Cabaco in defence, while Cucurella returns to drop Damian Suarez to the bench. The final change is enforced, as striker Jaime Mata is suspended - giving Hernandez a chance to start at striker.

ATLETICO MADRID SUBS: Lucas Torreira, Sime Vrsaljko, Joao Felix, Ivo Grbic, Moussa Dembele, Thomas Lemar, Hector Herrera, Vitolo, Renan Lodi, Geoffrey Kondogbia.

ATLETICO MADRID XI (3-1-4-2): Jan Oblak; Stefan Savic, Jose Gimenez, Mario Hermoso; Koke; Kieran Trippier, Marcos Llorente, Saul Niguez, Yannick Carrasco; Angel Correa, Luis Suarez.

GETAFE SUBS: David Timor, Angel Rodriguez, Chema Rodriguez, Ruben Yanez, Takefusa Kubo, Koffi, Damian Suarez, Xabier Etxeita, Francisco Portillo.

GETAFE XI (4-4-2): David Soria; Mathias Olivera, Sofian Chakla, Djene Dakonam, Allan Nyom; Marc Cucurella, Nemanja Maksimovic, Mauro Arambarri, Carles Alena; Juan Hernandez, Enes Unal.

With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let's take a look at the line-ups - starting with the hosts! 

Five points clear of Real Madrid with a match in-hand and six ahead of Barcelona. Atletico Madrid can put some real distance between themselves and their competitors at the top of LaLiga with a win. It’s no surprise to see a Diego Simeone side top the defensive charts with 18 conceded after 26 games, however, Atleti have also scored the second-most goals in the league (50), only behind Barca.

Four losses in their last five games have left Getafe perilously close to the drop - just four points ahead of Alaves in 18th. The second-lowest scorers in LaLiga (21 strikes in 26 matches), today’s hosts haven’t managed a single goal against Atletico Madrid in their last 19 games in all competitions; a run that stretches back to November 2011. 

Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the LaLiga fixture between Getafe and Atletico Madrid! 

That is all for today's live text coverage. Thanks for joining, goodbye!

This victory moves Madrid within five points of leaders Atletico Madrid, who play their game in hand against Getafe later on Saturday. Next up for Zidane's men is a Champions League last-16 second leg with Atalanta on Tuesday, while Elche - still one point above the relegation zone - travel to Sevilla on Wednesday.

A late double from Benzema earns Real Madrid a 2-1 comeback win at home to Elche. Calvo powered in a header off the underside of the crossbar to give the visitors the lead, but Zidane immediately introduced Kroos and Modric and the change in personnel and tactics paid off. Modric set up Benzema for a headed equaliser and the Frenchman scored a sublime second in added time.

90' + 4' FULL-TIME: REAL MADRID 2-1 ELCHE

90' + 2' Elche now have around two minutes to find a response. The visitors led with 18 minutes to play but were unable to hold on.

90' + 1' Four minutes have been added on at the end of the game at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

90' NACHO DENIED! Nacho has been a threat throughout this game. He unleashes a powerful shot on target from 25 yards that is too hot for Badia to handle, though the Elche keeper is quickly on top of the loose ball.

88' Vazquez's cross from the right is not the worst you will see, but it is out of Benzema's reach in the middle. A big couple of minutes await for both of these sides, who are of course chasing completely different targets this term.

86' It is all Madrid, as you would expect. Modric has been pulling the strings since being introduced at 1-0 down, but he takes the wrong option here by firing over from 25 yards.

85' NEARLY A SECOND! Casemiro is such a nuisance when Madrid are chasing a goal - in a good way! He stays high up the pitch and meets Nacho's deep delivery, but the headed effort is just over the bar.

83' Zidane's side will be seven points behind Atletico after playing a game more than the leaders as things stand. The hosts desperately need a goal, but there is not a great deal happening at the moment.

81' We are into the final 10 minutes in Madrid. Elche stunned their opponents by taking the lead, but they would surely accept a point if offered to them now.

79' JUST WIDE! Casemiro cuts across the ball with his long-range shot. Badia is getting nowhere near it but the ball spins wide of the target. Madrid are closing in on a second goal.

77' Karim Benzema has scored six goals in his last seven home LaLiga games for Real Madrid, including one in each of the last three (against Getafe, Valencia and now Elche).

72' Rodrygo's cross is out of the reach of Benzema, Vinicius and Casemiro. Elche are not exactly holding on, even if Madrid are seeing a lot of the ball.

71' WIDE! Kroos has taken over set-piece duties since coming on. He delivers a good free-kick from deep that Casemiro meets with a header at full stretch. It is an awkward one and the midfielder is unable to find the target.

68' This has been an eventful second half, with both sides denied strong penalty appeals before that breakthrough goal from Calvo - and what a header it was! Madrid have dominated possession since, but they really need to start creating chances.

66' After that triple change from Zidane, it looks as though Madrid are now playing with a 4-3-3 formation. Kroos and Modric are on, but will it make any difference?

64' Elche are winless in their last 10 LaLiga away matches (D3 L7), including defeats in each of the last four. They have not lost five or more in a row away from home in the same campaign in the competition since 1988-89 (12).

59' COURTOIS RESCUES MADRID! Carrillo has a chance to put Elche in front but he miscues his shot and Courtois sticks up an arm to block the effort. From the same attack, the visitors want a penalty for a Ramos challenge on Carrillo in the box, but the referee does not agree.

57' That was a big call from the officials. Marcone definitely had hold of Ramos, but was the Madrid skipper being smart with the way he went down?

56' PENALTY APPEAL! Ramos is livid! He appears to be dragged to the ground by Marcone in the box when attempting to get on the end of a corner, but the referee awards a free-kick to Elche instead. 

54' Mojica gets his head to a deep corner before Benzema can convert. Elche are seriously penned in now.

52' Like the final five minutes of the first half, Madrid are enjoying a sustained spell of pressure high up the field now. There is a sense that the breakthrough goal may arrive soon.

50' SIDE-NETTING! Elche fail to properly deal with a corner and Mendy lifts it back into the box. Benzema does well to control the ball and spin, but his shot ends in the side-netting. That was not an easy one, in fairness.

49' It has been a scrappy start to the second half. The onus is very much on Madrid to find a way through on home soil against one of the division's weaker teams.

47' Neither head coach made any changes at half-time, incidentally, so it is as you were. Madrid need to find some midfield creativity from somewhere in the absence of Kroos and Modric.

46' RESTART! Elche, on course for a big point in their battle to avoid relegation, get us back under way at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

The final five minutes aside, Zidane will not be happy with Madrid's first-half display at all. The hosts have rested a few key players today, though Modric and Kroos are among the subs, as is the returning Hazard - could we see either of them at the start of the second half?

Madrid and Elche go into half-time goalless after a pretty uneventful opening 45 minutes. The home side ended the half on top, but they only created one standout chance of note - Benzema failing to convert from 12 yards when picked out by Vinicius. Elche have had some promising moments without managing to test Courtois.

45' + 3' HALF-TIME: REAL MADRID 0-0 ELCHE

45' + 2' Valverde's scuffed shot is just out of Casemiro's reach at the back post. Madrid are finally starting to find some momentum, but it has come too late in the first half.

45' + 1' CHANCE! Isco fails to make any contact with Vazquez's cross from six yards out. It runs through to Vinicius but he is also slow off the mark, the ball bouncing off the forward and behind for a goal-kick.

44' Casemiro, who was used as a second striker late on against Atletico last week, has a shot blocked in the box. That came after Benzema felt he was pushed in the area, but the referee was right to wave play on.

43' A bad first touch lets Boye down, otherwise he would have had just Courtois to beat. Elche are ending the first half on top in the Spanish capital.

41' Vazquez is clipped and Madrid have a free-kick 30 yards out. It is chipped towards the six-yard box and Elche clear their lines.

39' There is a moment of panic at the back for Madrid as Morente's deep cross is not properly dealt with and is helped back into the middle. Courtois flaps at it and is grateful no opposition player is around to get on the end of the loose ball.

36' CHANCE FOR BENZEMA! Madrid hit their opponents on the counter. Vinicius is played into space down the right and picks out Benzema with a low cross, but the striker fails to properly adjust his feet and fires wide of the target from a good position.

35' Carrillo glances on Mojica's cross towards the back post. A couple of Elche players are running in but neither can get a touch. That was a promising moment for the visitors.

34' This has been a terrible watch so far. There has been just the one shot on target - Isco being denied by Badia with a weak effort from range - and very little else has happened. Anything less than a win today would surely rule Madrid out of the title race for good.

32' Nacho is allowed to run 15 yards with the ball. The centre-back is not comfortable going any further so slips in Mendy to his left, but the wing-back's cross is in the perfect area for Badia to gather.

30' Vinicius charges down the left and looks to bring the ball inside, but Verdu stands his ground to cut out the danger.

29' SAVE! Isco has a go from 25 yards. He does not make the best connection with the shot and Badia has a simple save to make down the middle, though the Elche keeper has at least now had something to do.

27' Having pretty much sat back for the opening 22 minutes or so, Elche are now starting to venture forward. It is proving the best form of defence as Madrid are unable to get out of their own half.

25' Mojica sends in another cross from the left, which just like his previous one is also rather disappointing. Courtois gets down to snaffle the danger.

24' Isco is tripped in the centre of the field and Madrid have a free-kick. Elche boss Escriba will be more than happy with the way the opening quarter of this game has panned out.

22' Casemiro, helping out as a makeshift centre-back, comfortably deals with a low cross into the box from the left. Madrid break but Vazquez pretty much kicks the ball out of play when attempting to find Benzema.

20' Benzema thinks about shooting, declines the chance to do so and the attack breaks down with Mendy's intercepted cross.

19' The hosts are continuing to dominate possession, without asking many questions of their opponents' backline, which is effectively made up of eight players at the moment.

17' Madrid are playing with pretty much eight outfielders in the opposition half, with Ramos and Varane the only two players sitting back. This is a game Zidane's men need to win if they are to keep their title hopes alive.

15' That really was quite some finish from Nacho, a good 20 yards out - a shame the whistle had already gone!

14' Nacho thumps a rocket of a shot into the top-left corner, though the whistle had sounded a second or so beforehand for Isco's foul on Calvo.

12' The home side have had 78 per cent of the ball so far, but they have yet to register a serious attempt of any sort. Varane blasted over from a long way out and that is pretty much as good as things have got for them.

10' Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has scored five goals in his last six home games in LaLiga, including a goal in each of his last two home outings (against Getafe and Valencia).

8' Benzema and Valverde exchange passes in the Elche box, but the former is unable to get a shot away. Varane does not need a second invitation to shoot as he fires the ball into the stands from a good 30 yards out.

6' Vazquez and Mendy appear to be playing as wing-backs for Madrid. Nacho, Ramos and Varane complete the back five.

5' Valverde plays a cross into the middle but Isco cannot reach it at full stretch. Benzema is positioned behind him, though the ball is cut out before the French striker can get to it.

3' Isco tries to return a pass to Vinicius but is unable to find his team-mate in the opposition box. Benzema has started the game wide on the left, with Vinicius towards the centre.

1' KICK-OFF! Madrid, with Ramos in their starting line-up and Hazard on the bench, get us up and running in the Spanish capital!

Both sets of players are out on the field at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano - Madrid's temporary home ground - and kick-off is now just a few moments away.

Real Madrid have not lost any of their last nine games against Elche in LaLiga (W8, D1), since a 3-1 loss in March 1978. Los Blancos have played 21 home games in LaLiga against Elche without losing any of them (W18 D3) - only against Las Palmas have they played more home games in the history of the competition without losing (34 - W29 D5).

Escriba has made just one change to the Eibar side that saw off Sevilla last week, with Mojica coming in for the benched Josema at left-back after recovering from injury. That means another start for Morente, who is preferred to Josan, while Carrillo and Boye - who have eight league goals between them this term - once again lead the attack.

Zidane has made four changes to Madrid's starting line-up following the draw with Atletico. Captain Ramos makes his first appearance in two months after recovering from injury, while Valverde, Isco and Vinicius are also recalled. Modric, Rodrygo, Kroos and Asensio drop to the bench, perhaps with an eye on next week's Champions League clash against Atalanta.

Subs: Victor Rodriguez, Nino, Josema, Josan, Diego Gonzalez, Pere Milla, Luismi, Helibelton Palacios, Lluis Andreu, Paulo Gazzaniga, Cifu, Omenuke Mfulu.

ELCHE XI (4-4-2): Edgar Badia; Antonio Barragan, Dani Calvo, Gonzalo Verdu (c), Johan Mojica; Fidel, Raul Guti, Ivan Marcone, Tete Morente; Guido Carrillo, Lucas Boye.

Subs: Toni Kroos, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Hugo Duro, Diego Altube, Eden Hazard, Andriy Lunin, Marco Asensio, Luka Modric.

MADRID XI (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Nacho, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos (c), Ferland Mendy; Federico Valverde, Casemiro; Lucas Vazquez, Isco, Vinicius Junior; Karim Benzema.

Elche are one point above the relegation zone heading into this match after pulling off a shock 2-1 win against Sevilla last weekend. Fran Escriba's charges have won two of their last four games, in fact, and will be looking to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three today.

Madrid are unbeaten in six league games but have drawn the last two of those, including a late 1-1 tie at leaders Atletico Madrid last weekend. Atleti won their game in hand in midweek and are eight points clear of Zinedine Zidane's men, who occupy third place.

Welcome to our live text coverage of the LaLiga clash between Real Madrid and Elche at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

45' + 3' HALF-TIME: EVERTON 1-2 BURNLEY

45' SAVE! Virginia is called into action already as Gudmundsson finds Brownhill in the box, but the substitute goalkeeper keeps the midfielder's strike down the centre of the goal out!

41' Burnley win a corner as Godfrey gets in the way of a Brownhill strike from distance, but it comes to nothing. The visitors have looked very threatening in this half.

39' MISS! Gomes delivers into the box where Calvert-Lewin meets it again, but he can't steer his header on target this time and nods high and wide from close range!

36' CHANCES! Westwood has a go towards the top-right corner from a free-kick but can't keep it on target, before McNeil sees a shot blocked and then Gudmundsson nods over the bar from the centre of the box!

34' SAVE! Richarlison looks for an equaliser as Everton start to look more threatening, but his long-range effort is saved low down by Pope!

33' Calvert-Lewin has scored more headed goals than any other Premier League player this season (6). The last Everton player to score more in a Premier League campaign was Tim Cahill in 2009-10 (7).

30' WIDE! McNeil swings a corner in and this time it does find Mee, but the central defender can only nod wide of the left-hand post!

28' Pickford looks to be in some pain after diving for that Gudmundsson shot. He receives some treatment, but will stay on for the time being.

27' POST! Burnley win the ball high up the field and McNeil feeds Gudmundsson, who drives towards the left before steering a low effort towards the bottom-left corner, but it comes back off the post!

25' That was McNeil's seventh Premier League goal, but his first ever away from Turf Moor.

23' NO PENALTY! A Burnley corner is swung to the back post where Mee challenges Holgate for it in the air. Holgate's elbow is raised and connects with the ball, leading to furious appeals for a spot-kick from the visiting players, but nothing is given!

22' Pope goes long to Wood, who takes the ball under control and hits one from outside the box, but Godfrey gets in the way and blocks it behind for a corner.

19' Everton are still seeing plenty of the ball but they're not able to create much with it at present. Their passing still lacks the sharpness needed to unsettle Burnley's low block.

17' Holgate tries to whip a cross in from the right but gets far too much on the delivery. It's retrieved by Digne on the other side, who puts it back into the middle, but it's headed clear. Burnley look comfortable at the moment.

15' Wood has now scored in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this season, doing so with Burnley's first shot of the match.

12' Richarlison is again fed with space to turn into just outside the box and he tries to slip it into the box for Calvert-Lewin, but Pope is off his line quickly and holds on.

10' Everton are absolutely dominating possession at the moment, enjoying over 77% of the ball in these early stages.

8' BLOCK! An Everton corner is half-cleared to the edge of the box where Davies tries to lash it at goal first-time, but it clatters off a Burnley defender and the visitors get it away!

5' Everton have moved away from their usual system today, lining up with a narrow midfield diamond as they seek to exploit the space between the lines of Burnley's rigid 4-4-2.

3' SAVE! Iwobi is given space to drive into through the middle and he finds Richarlison just outside the box. The Brazilian takes the ball on the half-turn and drives towards the right side of the box before thumping a shot towards the top-right corner, but Pope beats it away!

1' We're underway at Goodison Park!

Five of Burnley’s last seven Premier League games have ended level (W1 L1), though all of these draws have come in home games. None of the Clarets’ last six away league games have been drawn (W2 L4).

Everton have won five of their six Premier League home games against Burnley (83%) – among teams they’ve faced at least five times at Goodison Park in the competition, they’ve only got a higher home win rate against Fulham (93% - 14/15). However, the Toffees have lost four of their last six home league games (W1 D1), as many as they had in their previous 22 at Goodison Park. They did win their last such match though, a 1-0 victory against Southampton.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche is forced into making one change of his own after his team's fortuitous 1-1 draw against Arsenal. Pieters starts at left-back ahead of Charlie Taylor, who is unavailable due to injury, joining Jack Cork and Ashley Barnes on the treatment table.

Everton head coach Carlo Ancelotti makes one change after his side were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last time out. Sigurdsson drops to the bench and is replaced in midfield by Davies. James Rodriguez, Robin Olsen, Fabian Delph, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jean-Philippe Gbamin all remain sidelined through injury and miss out.

Burnley substitutes: Richard Nartey, Dale Stephens, Jay Rodriguez, Josh Benson, Phil Bardsley, Jimmy Dunne, Kevin Long, Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Robbie Brady.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Nick Pope; Matthew Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Erik Pieters; Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Ashley Westwood, Josh Brownhill, Dwight McNeil; Matej Vydra, Chris Wood.

Everton substitutes: Tyler Onyango, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Josh King, Harry Tyrer, Joao Virginia, Niels Nkounkou, Seamus Coleman, Nathan Broadhead, Yerry Mina.

Everton XI (4-1-2-1-2): Jordan Pickford; Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Lucas Digne; Allan; Tom Davies, Andre Gomes; Alex Iwobi; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Sixth-placed Everton find themselves just five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, but with two games in hand on the Blues and will hope to take a big step towards the Champions League places as they host Burnley, who are just four points clear of the relegation zone and have not won in their last five league outings.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Premier League fixture between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park.