Atletico Madrid travelled to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday looking to keep pace with Barcelona at the summit of the La Liga table.
The home side took the lead inside the opening three minutes when Lass Bangoura converted from close range, before Leo Baptistao made it 2-0 in the latter stages of the first period.
Atletico did improve in the second half and scored a late consolation via Radamel Falcao, but it was not enough to claim a point as Rayo moved into sixth position in the table.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga commentary of the weekend comes from Madrid as Rayo Vallecano welcome Atletico Madrid. There are just four places separating the two sides in the table, but an incredible 16 points difference, which is a clear indicator of just how well Atletico have performed this season. Their target for the remainder of the season will be to finish in the top two.
Rayo, meanwhile, quite sensationally, have European football on their mind. They were beaten by Sevilla last time out, but recent wins over Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao and Getafe have made them one of the in-form teams in the division. Three points this evening would be a clear indication that they can compete at the top level of Spanish football.
Rayo have impressed on their home patch this season, winning seven of their 11 matches, taking 22 points in the process. Atletico have been solid on the road, however, with four wins, two draws and four defeats in their 10 matches. That is in contrast to their home form, where they have won all 12 matches, scoring 33 goals and conceding just six times in the process.
TEAMS:
RAYO: Ruben; Casado, Arbilla, Amat, Galvez; Fuego, Trashorras, Piti, Dominguez; Lass, Leo
ATLETICO: Courtois; Miranda, Juanfran, Luis, Diaz; Gabi, Suarez, Garcia, Koke; Adrian, Falcao
Here we go then. I have to admit that I was looking forward to this match more than any other La Liga contest this weekend. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Both sets of players are ready to get the action underway. I can see it being a tight contest, but I am backing Atletico to come away with the three points this evening. The away side begin the action on this mild night in Madrid.
Just a recap of the main team news. The home side name a full-strength side this evening with Leo Baptistao returning in attack alongside Lass and Piti. Radamel Falcao returns to the Atletico team this evening, however, with the Chilean taking his place alongside Adrian Lopez in attack. The rain is bucketing down in the Spanish capital at the moment, which should contribute to an explosive match.
Strong start to the match from the home side as Piti collects possession in a wide area before firing a low cross into the box, but the danger is cleared. As expected, Rayo attract a wonderful crowd this evening, with a stunning atmosphere being created in the early stages. Let's hope for goals this evening between these two capital sides.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Atletico Madrid (Lass)
Wow! The home side take the lead inside three minutes as Lass bursts into the penalty area before smashing the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle. Questions could be asked about the defending, but take nothing away from the finish. Some start to this match.
A reminder that Atletico were 4-0 ahead in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, but Rayo scored three times in the latter stages to cut the deficit to 4-3. Will we have a similar score this evening? I expect goals in this match. Atletico need to win if they are to stay within touching distance of Barcelona.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Lass bursts into the penalty area once more, but this time he cannot make proper contact. Luis has been caught out twice in the early stages of this match. Juanfran attempts to attack down the other end, but his cross is blocked by Arbilla as he gains the first corner of the match.
Better from the away side in the last couple of minutes with Mario Suarez and Gabi enjoying more of the ball in the final third. Adrian Lopez also has his first involvement as he drives down the left before drilling a low cross into the box, but Koke can only blast high and wide of the goal.
There really is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium in the early stages of this match. What a wonderful place it must be to play your football. Very intimidating for the away side with the supporters almost on the pitch. This is a real test for Atletico this evening.
A poor pass from Arbilla allows Falcao to collect possession outside the box, but Casado is across to make a fine block. Juanfran collects the rebound outside the penalty area, but he can only fire wide of the post. Better from Atletico in the last few minutes, but they still trail courtesy of that early goal from Lass.
The away side continue to force the issue as they launch a number of crosses into the penalty area, but the danger has been quelled thus far. An opportunity arrives to Falcao moments later as he rises above Arbilla, but he can only head wide of the target. What an opportunity to level the scores in this match. Incredible excitement in the opening 16 minutes.
Better spell from the home side in the last couple of moments as they just quell the Atletico threat with a period of possession in the opposing half. Lass again threatens as he embarks on a mazy run, but this time Luis is across to clear at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, slight handbags between Falcao and Trashorras as the Chilean challenges the Spaniard.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Adrian meets a corner from Gabi, but the striker just heads wide of the post. It really is an end-to-end match at the moment with both sides attacking with pace and numbers. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - will be crucial in terms of the final result.
Lass remains the most likely for the home side as he collects possession down the right before drilling a low cross into the box, but the danger is cleared. Rayo want a penalty moments later as Luis appears to fell Lass in the box, but the referee shakes his head, before Piti heads over moments later.
Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters continue to make their voices known as this half gathers pace. Another long-range strike comes from Dominguez, but Courtois is across to make a fine save. This is comfortably the best 24 minutes of football that we have seen in La Liga this weekend. Stunning excitement.
Falcao has a half-chance down the other end as he collects possession outside the box before striking a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. Where has the opening 26 minutes gone? It has flown by.
It really is a difficult match for the referee to officiate as the home supporters call for a free kick each time one of their players hits the deck. However, the Spaniard has dealt with the pressure thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining and the end-to-end football in the match continues. Surely we have not seen the last of the scoring.
The match has just settled in the last couple of moments with the home side enjoying possession of the ball in the Atletico half. We have not seen much from Leo and Lass in the last 10 minutes or so, but Dominguez has seen plenty of the ball in the final third. Incredible work-rate from Rayo as they continue to hound Atletico each time they lose possession.
Atletico force a couple of half-chances as they put the pressure on with two corners in quick succession, but Galvez is on hand to clear the first before Ruben gathers the second. Rayo want a free kick as Luis wins back possession outside the box, but the referee waves play on. It remains 1-0 to the home side with 32 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 2-0 Atletico Madrid (Leo)
Wow! The home side score their second of the evening as Leo meets a cross from Lass before turning the ball into the back of the net from close range. It is a long way back for Atletico. What an incredible opening 33 minutes of football.
Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters continue to raise their voices in the latter stages of the first period. Where has this team come from? They have been the better side in this opening half of football. Adrian comes close down the other end, but he loses possession at the vital moment.
It has been a good response from Atletico since they fell behind with Falcao combining with Adrian outside the box, but he just cannot fashion a shooting chance. You just get the feeling that the away side are missing the guile of Arda Turan, who will surely come onto the field in the second period.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and the home side are comfortable in dealing with the threat posed by Atletico. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match could ultimately decide the final result. Meanwhile, the challenges continue to fly in from both sides.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Arbilla comes forward from defence before striking a powerful effort towards the top corner, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. The pressure does not let up as Leo drives into the box, but Miranda comes across to make the clearance.
Again Lass is involved for the home side as he beats Luis down the line before whipping a high cross into the box, but Leo just cannot make contact. Lass hits the deck under the challenge of Luis, but the referee does not take any action. Clear sign of frustration from the away side. They really need the interval to come.
Not too much to report in the final stages of the half as Diego Simeone looks on from the sideline. I am certain that he will give his players a rocket at the interval. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Rayo Vallecano 2-0 Atletico Madrid
What a half of football in Madrid. The rain continues to fall in the Spanish capital, but it has done nothing to taint this match. Rayo took the lead inside three minutes when Lass converted from close range, before Leo made it 2-0 just past the 30-minute mark. Atletico have simply had no response thus far.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. The home side have dominated the possession with 66%, while they have had seven attempts to Atletico's six. The fact that the away side have failed to register a single shot on target tells you everything that you need to know about their threat.
What about the benches for this evening? The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench with Delibasic and Vasquez capable of causing problems to Atletico. However, the away side perhaps have the more potent options on the bench with Turan and Rodriguez.
As it stands, Rayo would move into sixth position in the table, just two points outside of the top four. What a stunning achievement that is for a club of this size. Atletico would remain in second as it stands, but with just a four-point lead over Real Madrid with 15 matches to play.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. The away side make one change at the interval with Turan replacing Adrian, who struggled in the first period. The home side get the action underway in the second half. Can Atletico respond? Or will Rayo claim a vital three points?
It would probably be fair to state that Rayo's main aim this season is to secure survival in La Liga. Bar a collapse in the second part of the campaign, they will do just that. Anything more than that is a bonus for a side which has the lowest budget in the division. Strong start to the second period from the home side as Leo collects possession in the box, but Miranda is on hand to clear.
Atletico just have not been able to get into this second period thus far with the home side controlling the tempo and possession. Another half-chance arrives as Lass drives into the penalty area, but Miranda is across to make the challenge at the vital moment. Meanwhile, Turan wins a free kick for his side down the other end, with Fuego gaining a yellow card for his troubles.
You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match could ultimately decide the result. If Atletico score in the early stages of the half, then you would back them to get something. However, another goal for Rayo and it would be curtains. Slightly better from the away side in the last couple of minutes with Turan seeing more of the ball.
A half-chance arrives for Falcao as the Chilean rises highest in the penalty area, but he can only head straight at Ruben. The home side attempt to attack immediately down the other end with Dominguez, but his pass towards Piti is just too short. End-to-end football as this second period starts to gather some pace.
Sloppy play from the home side allows Atletico the chance to create something from a free kick outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is taken by Gabi, who clips the ball into the box, but Ruben is on hand to collect once more. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and the home side lead 2-0 courtesy of those two goals in the first period.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the home side comfortable in dealing with the threat from Atletico. Diego Simeone continues to prowl the touchline, but you cannot help but feel that they miss Diego Costa this evening. The Argentine, who has been in wonderful form in recent weeks, is suspended. He is always worth a goal.
Another half-chance comes to Atletico as Turan is felled by Galvez outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Falcao, but the Chilean can only thump his effort straight into the wall. That is really poor from the striker. Piti took the effort flush in the face there.
Decent pressure from the away side in the last couple of moments with Juanfran and Turan combining down the right, before the latter wins a free kick from Galvez. The resulting free kick is curled into the penalty area by Gabi, but once more the danger is cleared with a towering header from Galvez. The home side threaten on the attack with Lass, but Courtois is out to clear.
It really is all one-way traffic at the moment as the away side continue to put pressure on the Rayo's defence. Simeone does not have too much to call on in terms of attacking options on the bench. Another half-chance comes to Luis, but his effort is straight at Ruben.
Ruben took the knock in the challenge with Luis, but following a period of treatment the goalkeeper is deemed fit to continue. The resulting corner comes into the box from Gabi, but once more Galvez rises to clear. The home side launch a counter attack with Leo, but Diaz is on hand to regain possession for the away side.
The referee must be praised this evening for his willingness to let the play flow. He has also awarded just one yellow card this evening, which is good to see following the influx of red cards in La Liga this season. The home side want a penalty as Suarez appeals to handle in the box, but the referee shakes his head.
The home side make their first change of the match as the impressive Lass is replaced by Jose Carlos. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in this match and Rayo's two-goal lead remains in tact. But you just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety.
Not too much to report in the last few minutes with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. The onus is on Atletico to come out and attack, but their threat has just diminished in the last five minutes or so. Simeone makes his second change of the match as Rodriguez replaces Suarez.
Time is not on Atletico's side at the moment as the minutes continue to pass by in this contest. Rayo are not offering too much in the final third, but they remain tight in defence with Galvez and Amat winning the physical battle against Falcao. A break does arrive when Leo ghosts past Diaz, but the Argentine brings the striker to the floor.
Meanwhile, the home side make their second change as Leo, scorer of the second goal, is replaced by Delibasic. The resulting free kick for Rayo is taken short by Piti, but it comes to nothing with Miranda on hand to clear the danger. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining in this match.
Another free kick is awarded to the home side as Dominguez is challenged by Juanfran outside the penalty area. However, once more it is played short and Atletico clear the danger with relative ease. You just cannot see where a goal for the away side is coming in this match. However, all it takes is one moment of magic.
Rodriguez attempts to go alone for Atletico as he collects possession on the right before driving past Casado and firing a low cross into the box, but Ruben is out to smother at the vital moment. Miranda takes a chance with a poor pass back to his goalkeeper down the other end, but Courtois manages to clear.
It's good work from Turan as the Turkish international drives past two challenges before firing a low cross into the box, but Piti blocks the danger. Another chance arrives moments later as Luis dances into the penalty area, but once more Piti clears. The resulting corner is met by Falcao, but his effort is straight at Ruben. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Meanwhile, the away side make another change as Oliver Torres replaces Koke. It is understood that Rayo boss Paco Jemez has been sent to the stands for comments that he made to the referee. If that is indeed the case, then he will not be able to sit in the dugout for his side's trip to Real Madrid next weekend. What a serious blow that would be. Bar a late miracle, Rayo are heading for sixth position in the table.
A half-chance arrives for the away side as Turan collects possession outside the box before firing a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. The home supporters remain in full voice in the final stages of this match. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining.
Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change of the match as Adrian is replace by Dominguez. The Argentine is another who receives a wonderful ovation from the crowd. Rayo attempt to add their third on the counter as Delibasic is found by Adrian, but Miranda is across to clear at the vital moment.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Torres strikes an effort from outside the box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of added time and we are into the first of those.
Not too much to report in the final stages of this match as the home side continue to dominate possession in the Atletico half. The away side have been much improved in the second period, but they have just not done enough to take something from the match. They are heading for their fifth away league defeat of the season.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Atletico Madrid (Falcao)
The away side have a late consolation in this match as Falcao collects possession in the box before firing into the bottom corner. However, there will barely be enough time for the match to be restarted.
FULL-TIME: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. Rayo score twice in the first period to record a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Good evening!
