Malaga welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Estadio La Rosaleda on Sunday looking to record their first league win of the season.
Both sides had opportunities in the first period, but close-range finishes from Mounir El Hamdaoui and Francisco Portillo left Malaga 2-0 ahead at the interval.
The home side continued that tempo into the second half, with Eliseu making it three with a curling effort after 49 minutes, before El Hamdaoui had his second just past the hour mark.
Malaga continued to impress in the latter stages, with El Hamdaoui scoring his third to wrap up a comprehensive three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the Estadio La Rosaleda as Malaga welcome Rayo Vallecano. It has been a summer of change for both clubs with each losing key personnel, while it has been a difficult start to the season, with Malaga taking one point from three games and Rayo taking three from the same period.
It was a case of away comforts last season as Rayo recorded a 2-1 win at this stadium in November 2012, before Malaga recorded all three points in Madrid in March. Of the last four meetings, both have won twice, which gives you an indication of the type of match that should be expected this evening.
Malaga’s single point thus far came last time out away to Sevilla. However, they have had a tough start with a trip to Valencia and a visit from Barcelona. Rayo, meanwhile, opened their season with a comprehensive 3-0 win over newly-promoted Elche, but they were then thumped 5-0 by Atletico Madrid before losing 2-1 to Levante before the international break.
TEAMS:
MALAGA XI: Caballero; Gamez, Sanchez, Angeleri, Antunes; Darder, Tissone; Morales, Portillo, Eliseu; El Hamdaoui
RAYO XI: Ruben; Tito, Galvez, Galeano, Nacho; Viera, Trashorras, Saul, Bueno; Fernandez, Larrivey
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Malaga XI this evening with El Hamdaoui leading their line. Eliseu also starts, while they will be captained by goalkeeper Willy Caballero. Rayo, meanwhile, hand a debut to on-loan Valencia midfielder Jonathan Viera, while Alberto Bueno also starts in attack. Right, the away side get the action underway on this warm evening in Malaga.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. One thing is for certain, the home crowd will expect their side to pick up their first three points of the season against a weakened Rayo team. It has indeed been a bright start from the hosts, with Eliseu and Tissone enjoying possession in the final third.
Good pressure from the home side inside the opening four minutes with a deep cross from Eliseu causing Ruben all sorts of problems, but the Spaniard does manage to turn behind his own crossbar. The resulting corner is met by the head of Angeleri, but his header just moves wide of the post. Difficult start to proceedings for Rayo.
First sign of the away side in the attacking third as Tito threatens to move beyond the challenge of Antunes, but he loses possession before fouling the Portuguese. You just get the feeling that Malaga need an early goal here to settle the crowd. It has not been the start to the season that they would have wanted. Eliseu again threatens moments later, but Rayo are saved by the offside flag.
Good spell for Rayo in the last couple of moments with Saul and Trashorras starting to enjoy possession in the middle of the park. The latter attempts to release the run of Viera, but Gamez is across to make the challenge. Malaga have been in control thus far, but neither has been able to really test the opposing goalkeeper in the opening eight minutes.
It's really bright work from Darder as the Malaga midfielder turns on the edge of the box, but he is chopped down by Galeano, who picks up a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting free kick is taken by Eliseu, but his effort is just wide of the post. That is as close as either side has come with 10 minutes on the clock.
Bueno is involved for the away side moments later as he collects a pass from Larrivey before attempting to shuffle into the box, but Antunes is across on the cover. Both of these sides are just unrecognisable from the ones that lined up last season. It has not helped that neither has made a particularly positive start to the campaign, but the pressure is certainly on Malaga this evening.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Rayo are certainly playing their way into the match with a sustained period of possession. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - will be vital in this type of match. A half-chance arrives for Bueno following a Saul free kick, but Antunes makes the block just inside the Malaga box.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Morales collects possession inside the Rayo box, but instead of squaring to Darder, who would have had an open goal, the midfielder's effort is pushed wide of the post by Ruben. The home side have had the two best chances in the opening 18 minutes of football.
The home side's frustration continues to grow as another opportunity comes and goes with Darder losing possession just inside the Rayo box. The pressure continues as El Hamadaoui advances into the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but once more Ruben is across to make a fine save.
Rayo are playing the better football at the moment with Saul and Trashorras more than willing to join their attackers at every opportunity. The latter causes concern with a late run into the box, but Sanchez steps across to make the challenge. It falls to Bueno, but the Spaniard cannot find the run of Viera down the right.
CHANCE! Incredible opportunity for the away side to take the lead as Fernandez puts it on a plate for Larrivey, but somehow the Argentine can only turn wide of the post when it looked easier to score. That would have certainly silenced this stadium.
Malaga have a half-chance moments later as El Hamdaoui collects a pass from Eliseu before advancing into the box, but Ruben comes out to make the block at the vital moment. Rayo are down the other end moments later, but Bueno can only lash his effort high and wide of the crossbar. End-to-end football with 26 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too readily in the final third. Malaga might have seen this match as the ideal chance to pick up their first three points of the season, but Rayo are not here to make up the numbers there is no question about that. Still goalless with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Larrivey remains the most likely for the away side as the striker collects a pass from Viera before turning into the Malaga box, but he just loses his footing at the vital moment, allowing Caballero out to make the save. Malaga are down the other end with El Hamdaoui moments later, but the attack comes to nothing.
Another half-chance for Larrivey as the Rayo striker comes close to meeting a deep cross from Viera, but Sanchez just manages to make the clearance at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered into the area by Trashorras, but Saul can only flick his header wide of the post. Really good spell for Rayo with 33 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Malaga 1-0 Rayo (El Hamdaoui)
Oh how Malaga needed that goal! The home side take the lead with 31 minutes on the clock as El Hamdaoui capitalises on a poor piece of goalkeeping from Ruben to ghost into the back post and tap home following good work from Antunes. What on earth was the Spanish stopper doing?
Well, both sides have had opportunities in the opening 34 minutes, but Malaga do indeed lead with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining. It has raised the atmosphere inside the stadium, which has given the home side that extra yard on the pitch. It is so important that Rayo remain in the match in the latter stages of the half.
Malaga continue to force the issue as Darder collects possession outside the box before attempting to move past the challenge of Tito, but Galvez is across on the cover. Antunes has a problem moments later following a challenge with Fernandez, but the Malaga left-back is deemed fit to continue.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The latest free kick allows Portillo the chance to put a deep cross into the Rayo box, but Ruben comes to claim under pressure from Darder, who has been involved for long periods of the first period.
Malaga do not look too comfortable from corners at the moment as Rayo continue to force the issue with a couple of set pieces in quick succession. However, a combination of Tissone and Sanchez manages to clear the danger. Antunes is on the attack down the other end moments later, but Galvez comes across to make the clearance. End-to-end football with 41 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Malaga 2-0 Rayo (Portillo)
Malaga have their second of the match as El Hamdaoui finds some space inside the box before finding Portillo, who cannot miss from close range. Again, it is dreadful defending from Rayo, who have shot themselves in the foot once more.
Well, Rayo have played well for long periods of the first period, but two poor pieces of defending has cost them. It is a long way back from this position. Larrivey appears to have a slight problem moments later as he is caught by Tissone, but the Rayo midfielder does return to his feet with 43 minutes on the clock.
One thing is for certain, I would not want to be one of those Rayo defenders in the dressing room at half time. Paco Jemez is an angry character at the best of times. Another half-chance arrives for El Hamdaoui in the latter stages of the first period, but this time the striker can only plant his effort wide of the post.
HALF TIME: Malaga 2-0 Rayo
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Malaga leading 2-0 courtesy of close-range finishes from El Hamdaoui and Portillo. Rayo have been in the match for long spells and have indeed had chances of their own, but poor defending has been their undoing once more.
STATISTICS: Rayo, quite incredibly, had 73% of the possession in the first period, but they have managed just four attempts all off target. That is in contrast to Malaga, who have had seven attempts in total, four of which have been on target. The home side's biggest threat has come on the counter.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking talents on their bench in the shape of Roque Santa Cruz, Olinga and Pawlowski. Meanwhile, Ignacio Camacho could also be added to provide some steel in midfield. Rayo, meanwhile, have the likes of Adrian, Alberto Perea and Mojica among their substitutes this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Seville as Real Betis welcome Valencia, be sure to remain with us for that one. Right, the home side get the second period underway.
One change at the interval for the away side with Arbilla brought into the heart of the Rayo defence with Galeano departing, which is not much of a surprise. He had a torrid opening 45 minutes of action. You just get the feeling that Rayo need to score early if they are to stand a chance of taking something from this match. Another goal for Malaga and it is surely curtains.
It's smart work from Gamez as the Malaga defender advances down the right before delivering a stunning cross into the box, but El Hamdaoui does not gamble at the final moment, allowing Tito across to make the clearance.
GOAL! Malaga 3-0 Rayo (Eliseu)
Malaga have their third in the early stages of the second period as Eliseu cuts inside before firing a wonderful effort into the top corner. That is game, set and match and you have to worry for Rayo with around 40 minutes of football still to play in Malaga.
Rayo just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment with Malaga attacking in waves. Portillo has a half-chance to score his second of the match as he collects possession outside the box before curling one towards the top corner, but it just dropped high and wide of Ruben's crossbar.
Rayo make their second change of the match as Adrian enters the field to replace Bueno, who has struggled to make any sort of impact this evening. His introduction almost brings an opportunity for the away side as Fernandez dances into the box before finding Viera, but the Spaniard is crowded out at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Malaga are in control of the possession. Antunes continues to provide an outlet down the left, but there have not been any takers despite a host of dangerous crosses into the box. Malaga are so incredibly comfortable with around 30 minutes of football remaining.
Good spell of pressure for Rayo in the last couple of moments with Larrivey twice delivering dangerous crosses into the box, but the first is just too long for Adrian, before Saul turns the second wide of the post. Not too much from Malaga as an attacking threat, meanwhile, with the points all but secured with a large chunk of the match remaining.
Rayo's period of pressure continues as Tito advances down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Caballero is out to claim at the vital moment. A counter follows for the home side moments later, but Portillo cannot turn his pass towards Morales, who had found yards of space on the left.
GOAL! Malaga 4-0 Rayo (El Hamdaoui)
Malaga have their fourth of the evening as El Hamdaoui meets a low cross from Gamez, before turning into the back of the net from close range. Simple football from the home side, but once again you have to question the Rayo defending.
You have to fear for Rayo this season. They will score goals I am certain of that, but it could be argued that their defence is the worst in the division. Paco Jemez performed a miracle by leading them into eighth last season, but anything higher than 18th would be a massive achievement this time around. It promises to be a long, hard slog for the capital outfit.
GOAL! Malaga 5-0 Rayo (El Hamdaoui)
El Hamdaoui has his third of the match as the striker is allowed all sorts of room inside the box, before turning past Tito and firing a low effort into the bottom corner. What a evening it has been for the striker, who might not have played had Santa Cruz been fully fit this evening.
Rayo make their third and final change of the evening as Mojica replaces Fernandez, who has faded in the second period. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Malaga and it could get a lot worse for the capital outfit. Morales comes close with a half-chance inside the box, but he cannot find the bottom corner under pressure from Tito.
Malaga make their first change of the evening as Olinga enters the field in place of Morales. It really is a wonderful place to play football when things are going well and that is being demonstrated by the noise levels inside the stadium. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining. Can Malaga make it worse for the capital outfit?
Good spell for Rayo in the last couple of moments with Saul coming close with an effort from outside the box, but Caballero makes the save. The resulting corner is met by the head of Adrian, but his effort is just wide of the post. A goal for the away side would at least give their supporters something to cheer.
Another half-chance for the away side as Viera collects a loose ball inside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Caballero is across to make a fine save. Olinga is down the other end for Malaga moments later, but Nacho Martinez is across to fell the youngster. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Malaga make their second change of the match as Tissone is replaced by Ignacio Camacho for the final 10 minutes or so. Neither side has had too much in terms of attacking pressure in the last couple of moments, with Rayo keen to keep the score at five. What will this kind of result do to their confidence ahead of the rest of the season?
Malaga look to their bench for the third and final time this evening as El Hamdaoui leaves the field for Samuel. Wonderful noise around the stadium as the three-goal striker departs. It has been a difficult start to the season for Malaga, but this evening could not have gone much better for the Spanish outfit.
Half-chance for the home side as Antunes strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Embarba has a half-chance for the away side moments later as he meets a cross from Saul, but Caballero is on hand to make the save.
Rayo continue to enjoy the better of the remaining few moments with Embarba involved in and around the Malaga box, but he loses control before fouling Antunes. Paco Jemez appears calm on the sidelines, but he must be steaming inside. Rayo have created their own problems this evening there is no question about that.
It has been an impressive cameo for Olinga, who has been heavily involved since entering the field. His work down the right forces a half-chance for Portillo, but the Spaniard loses his footing at the vital moment, allowing Tito across to make the clearance. I shouldn't think that the referee will add too much time at the end of the match.
Olinga continues to worry the Rayo defence as he collects possession on the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but Tito is across to make the clearance. The fourth official has indicated that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the second of those.
FULL TIME: Malaga 5-0 Rayo
So there we have it. Malaga pick up their first three points of the season with a thumping 5-0 win over Rayo. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Real Betis against Valencia. Until then!
