Almeria welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos on Sunday still looking for their first league win of the season.
The away side had the best of the chances in the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Rayo secured all the points 10 minutes from time, however, when Alex Galvez whipped a free kick into the top corner.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of three back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga comes from the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos as Almeria welcome Rayo Vallecano. It might be early in the season, but the phrase ‘relegation six-pointer’ would not be entirely out of the question. It is difficult to put into words the importance of this match to both of these sides.
As mentioned, these two sides have not met since November 2008, when Almeria were 3-0 winners in the second leg of a Copa del Rey clash. Almeria were also 2-1 winners in the first leg in Madrid and therefore advanced 5-1 on aggregate. However, to suggest that much has changed at both sides since then would be putting it lightly.
Almeria have collected three points from their eight matches, but that total has come from three draws. They are currently the only side in the division yet to record a single win this season, which places more significance on this match. It is indeed early in the season, but they are at risk of being cut adrift from the teams above them.
It isn’t as if they are losing each match heavily, but their inability to turn performances into results is certainly a concern. In fairness, they have already travelled to Atletico Madrid and Sevilla – two teams that had stunning home records last season – and welcomed Barcelona. The newly-promoted outfit will see this match as the perfect chance to put three points on the board.
TEAMS:
ALMERIA: Esteban; Nelson, Pellerano, Trujillo, Garcia; Corona, Soriano, Verza, Vidal; Suso, Rodri
RAYO VALLECANO: Ruben; Arbilla, Tito, Galvez, Adrian; Trashorras, Saul, Castillo, Falque; Viera, Lass
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Almeria XI this afternoon with Rodri and Suso once more the front two. There are also starts for Aleix Vidal and Soriano. Rayo, meanwhile, leave Larrivey and Raul Baena on the sidelines, with Lass Bangoura and on-loan Valencia striker Jonathan Viera named in attack.
Rayo, however, will not be in a charitable mood. The capital outfit have problems of their own with just two wins from their eight matches leaving them in 19th spot in the table. That said, they enter the match off the back of an impressive result and indeed performance last time out when they beat Champions League outfit Real Sociedad in the Spanish capital.
It was always going to be a difficult season for Rayo after losing a number of their key players in the summer, with their budget not allowing them to bring in similar quality. Paco Jemez is not one to shy away from a challenge, however, and will be confident that he can steer his team to safety this season.
If Rayo are to survive, their problems in defence must be addressed. Remarkably, Rayo have conceded 21 times in their eight matches thus far, which is more than 2.5 goals per game. That said, Almeria have the second-worst total with 19 conceded. Down the other end, Almeria have scored 11 to Rayo’s six.
PREDICTION: Almeria are yet to pick up a league win this season, but there is no question that they will see this match as the perfect chance to put their first three points on the board. That said, Rayo's lineup is extremely counter-attacking, which I think will cause Almeria all sorts of problems. I am going to back an away win at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this early evening in Spain. Let's hope for an entertaining match. The home side get the action underway.
You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital in this type of match. Bright start from the home side as Vidal collects possession out wide before driving into the box, but he just loses control at the vital moment. Rayo go down the other end with Lass, but his through pass is collected by Esteban.
Roberto Trashorras strikes one on the volley moments later, but it was always comfortable for the home side's goalkeeper. Lass is again involved for Rayo moments later as he wins a corner down the right, but the resulting set piece is cleared by Raul Garcia. Plenty of attacking intent from both sides in the early stages.
CHANCE! The first chance of the match comes to the home side as Suso wriggles free inside the box before attempting to slide his low effort into the bottom corner, but Ruben is across to make a fine save. As mentioned, these two teams have the worst defensive records in the league this season and therefore goals should be expected.
Half-chance for Rayo as Castillo strikes one from outside the box, but Esteban is across to make the save. The resulting corner causes more problems in the Almeria box, but the referee blows for a foul before Adrian slides his low effort into the back of the net. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock.
It's good football from Almeria as the home side work the ball from left to right before Nelson delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Tito is on hand with the clearance. Viera has a half-chance on the counter for Rayo as he breaks free, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Rayo as Castillo finds himself through on goal, but he can only turn his low effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. The away side should be ahead here there is no question about that. Couple of clear chances inside the opening 13 minutes.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee called into action to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides. Meanwhile, the home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium. It has been a nervy 15 minutes for Almeria.
Half-chance for the home side this time as the Almeria skipper Corona finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Jonathan Viera has a strike down the other end, but Esteban is on hand to collect with ease.
Neither side is in control of the possession at the moment with both exchanging periods with the ball. Without sounding like a broken record, the first goal could be decisive in this type of match. However, the tempo has been harmed in the last few moments with the referee taking exception to a number of late challenges.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. Lass again tries his luck from outside the box, but it never had enough power to worry Esteban. Meanwhile, the home supporters continue to produce a strong atmosphere inside the stadium.
Another half-chance for the away side as Viera finds some space in a wide area before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but there are no takers and therefore it moves out for a goal kick. Almeria are down the other end moments later, but once more the attack breaks down with Suso. We have seen little from Rodri thus far.
Again it's bright work from Castillo as the Rayo midfielder looks for Viera inside the Almeria box, but Esteban manages to clear at the vital moment. The pressure continues as Rayo force another corner, but the home side manage to repel the threat. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with the scores still level.
Raul Garcia gets away with one as Lass puts the Almeria defender under all sorts of pressure before winning the ball, but the referee awards a free kick. The Rayo forward was preparing to slot past Esteban, who was out of position. There is no question that the away side look the most likely to open the scoring.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Rodri meets a free kick from Suso, but Ruben is on hand to make a stunning save at his near post. The resulting corner is delivered into the area, but Ruben is once more on hand to claim for Rayo.
Rayo continue to force the issue with a couple of deep crosses into the Almeria box, but the first is punched clear by Esteban before Lass turns wide of the post. A goal at this point would certainly put Rayo in the driving seat. Almeria remain a threat on the counter, but their final ball has been poor thus far.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides forcing the issue in the final third, but the elusive pass has just not been there in the last 10 minutes or so. Just a reminder that Almeria are currently bottom of the table, without a league win this season, while Rayo sit in 19th position.
POST! Rayo come within a whisker of taking the lead as Viera strikes one from just inside the box, but his effort smashes off the post. Rayo are forced into a change moments later as Alberto Perea replaces Lass, who had hobbled over to the touchline. The extent of the injury is currently unclear.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides suffering injuries. There is no question that the away side have had the best of the chances, but you have to wonder whether they will be made to regret missed opportunities. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Rayo continue to force the issue in the latter stages with a series of high crosses into the box, but Almeria continue to clear the danger. Lass, meanwhile, has been pictured on the sidelines with ice strapped to his ankle, which is an indication of the problem. Verza has a half-chance for Almeria moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Rayo continue to pin Almeria to the edge of their own box with possession in wide areas, but the final pass has been lacking thus far, which is the story of their season. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Almeria 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Rayo have had the best of the chances, but Almeria have also had their moments in an entertaining first 45 minutes of football. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Rayo have dominated the possession with 58%, while they have had nine attempts - six of which have been on target - to Almeria's three. The referee has issued two cards, meanwhile, both to the away side. In truth, Almeria are lucky to still be on terms at this stage of proceedings.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening with the likes of Helder Barbosa, Azeez and Oscar Diaz in reserve. Meanwhile, Rayo have already been forced into a change with Perea replacing Lass, but they still have options in the shape of Larribey and Bueno.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Almeria are bottom of the table without a win, while Rayo sit in 19th position on six points. I would be astounded if we did not have a goal in the second 45 minutes. Rayo get the action underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I expect that to change if the score remains the same around the hour mark. Slightly untidy start to the second period with the referee called into action to deal with a couple of late challenges.
Almeria make a change in the early stages of the second period as Torsiglieri replaces Nelson. The Portuguese defender did look to be struggling in the latter stages of the first period. The home side have the first attack of the second half as Suso turns inside the box, but his pass to Rodri finds the striker in an offside position.
The attendance has been confirmed at little under 10,000 this evening, but the home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium. A half-chance arrives for Falque moments later as the Rayo attacker curls one from outside the box, but Esteban is on hand to make a fine save to his left.
The free-kick count continues to rise and indeed card count as Saul has his name taken for a foul on Soriano outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Suso, but his effort moves high and wide of the post. Just a few signs that Almeria are starting to warm to the task here with 55 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the home side as Tujillo advances into the box before attempting to deliver a cross towards Rodri, but Ruben is on hand to collect. Rayo attempt to break down the other end with Viera, but the on-loan Valencia forward loses possession. Not too many chances for either side as we approach the final 30 minutes of football.
You just get the feeling that this is the type of match that will be decided by the odd goal. Rayo have another chance to open the scoring as Vidal fells Falque outside the box. However, the resulting free kick from Trashorras is straight into the arms of Esteban, who has had a quiet second period thus far.
CROSSBAR! Strange effort from Trujillo as the Almeria defender's cross dips at the final moment before smashing off the top of the crossbar. The referee indicates that Ruben had touched the ball, and therefore a corner is awarded. However, the resulting set piece is dealt with by Galvez.
RED CARD! Rayo are reduced to 10 men as Saul Niguez is handed his second bookable offence.
Almeria make their second change of the match as Azeez enters in place of Corona, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Rayo are down the other end with Viera moments later, but he loses possession at the final moment. Still we are no closer to the opening goal of the match with little over 25 minutes remaining.
Rayo make a change of their own as Mojica replaces Falque for the final 20 minutes or so. Rayo have just started to tak control of the possession in the middle of midfield, but still Almeria remain strong in defence. However, you have to expect that a goal will arrive as the chances add up in the latter stages.
Half-chance for Rayo to open the scoring as Trashorras delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Esteban is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last couple of moments, however, with Rayo in control. It is so delicately poised ahead of the latter stages.
It's good work from Suso as the Almeria forward delivers a deep cross into the box, but Ruben just manages to claim under pressure from Rodri. Almeria make their third and final change moments later as Vidal is replaced by Barbosa. Both of these sides are going for the win here there is no question about that.
Still we await the opener as we approach the final 15 minutes of football. Will Almeria's wait for their first league win of the season continue for another week? Another deep free kick comes into the Almeria box from Trashorras, but Pellerano is on hand to clear the danger.
Rayo make their third and final change of the match as Larrivey replaces Castillo, who had that glorious chance in the first period. Neither side is really in control of proceedings at the moment with each enjoying possession of the ball. However, you just get the feeling that there is a goal in this one.
GOAL! Almeria 0-1 Rayo Vallecano (Galvez)
Oh my good grief that is stunning. What a wonderful way to open the scoring. Trashorras moves away from a free kick outside the box, allowing Galvez to curl an effort into the top corner. That has silenced the stadium.
Almeria have little under 10 minutes to turn this one around. There is no question that this would be their most damaging result of the season. As it stands, Rayo are heading for their third win of the season. However, you just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the action this evening.
Almeria continue to force the issue with a couple of corners into the Rayo box, but the first is cleared by Tito before Ruben punches clear of the penalty box. One-way traffic at the moment with Rayo simply unable to keep hold of the ball. Little over five minutes of normal time for the away side to hold on.
It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Rayo at the moment as they continue to clear their lines. Suso looks the most likely for the home side as he wins another corner, but the danger is cleared once more. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their side, but time is running out.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Rayo keeping hold of the ball in the Almeria half. Both managers have made all three permitted changes and therefore it is up to those on the field. Rayo have been poor defensively this season, but have been impressive this evening there is no doubt about that.
Time is running out for Almeria and indeed their frustration is growing as Rayo continue to slow the game with injuries. The referee indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Can Almeria find something in the last couple of minutes?
Rayo continue to run down the clock as they keep possession in the Almeria half. Perhaps one last chance for the home side to get the ball forward as Verza wins a free kick, but it is a long way from goal. Rayo are almost there.
FULL TIME: Almeria 0-1 Rayo
So there we have it. Rayo pick up a vital three points with a 1-0 win at Almeria, who are still looking for their first victory of the new season. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick with us for Betis against Elche. Until then!
