Atletico Madrid welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Vicente Calderon on Sunday looking to make it six points from their opening two league games.
The home side were ahead inside 17 minutes when Raul Garcia converted from close range, before goals from Diego Costa and Arda Turan left them 3-0 ahead at the interval.
It was four in the early stages of the second period when Tiago's header found the back of the net, before Garcia grabbed his second in the latter stages.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The first of our three back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga comes from the capital as Atletico Madrid welcome rivals Rayo Vallecano to the Vicente Calderon. As mentioned, both sides started their league campaigns with victories last weekend. Atletico were 3-1 winners away to Sevilla, while Rayo were comprehensive 3-0 winners against Elche on their own patch.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have enjoyed the best of it with three wins from the last four matches. The corresponding fixture in the 2012-2013 campaign brought arguably one of the games of the season as Atletico recorded a 4-3 win. However, as mentioned, Rayo did secure three points when the pair met at the Vallecas in February.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Tiago, Gabi, Garcia; Turan, Villa, Costa
RAYO: Cobeno; Tito, Galvez, Galeano, Nacho; Saul, Trashorras, Perea, Lass; Bueno, Larrivey
So there we have it. Mario Suarez and Koke drop out of the Atletico side this evening with Raul Garcia and Tiago selected in midfield. David Villa, fresh from his strike against Barcelona in the Super Cup on Wednesday, also starts. Rayo, meanwhile, continue with Alberto Bueno and Lass Bangoura in attack. However, Adrian is once more resigned to the bench.
Radamel Falcao might have departed Atletico this summer, but Diego Simeone managed to pick up arguably the signing of the summer as Villa arrived from Barcelona. Diego Costa has also started the season in fine form with a double against Sevilla last weekend. If they can go on a run in the early part of the season, then they could be serious challengers for the title.
Atletico were also in Super Cup action last week as the capital outfit recorded a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Barcelona. Guess who – Villa popped up with the first goal against his former club, but a header from Neymar left the two sides on terms ahead of the second leg next week. Against the champions, Atletico were arguably the better side.
There is no question that Rayo Vallecano were the surprise package of last season, with the capital outfit securing an incredible eighth-place finish in La Liga. However, they were always going to struggle to keep their star players out of the clutches of other teams this summer, which proved to be the case.
Leo Baptistao and Piti were their focal points for much of last season, while the departures of Raul Tamudo and Javi Fuego – two big talents – will also hit them hard. Paco Jemez has done his best to add to the squad this summer, but the fact of the matter is that he is working on a shoestring budget, especially at this level of football.
There did not appear to be any problems in their opening match of the season against Elche, however, with Alberto Bueno, who arrived from Real Valladolid this summer, scoring twice on his debut. They will struggle to match last season’s fine campaign, but with Paco Jemez at the helm, you do not get the feeling that they will be safe come May 2014.
Here we go then. Little under two minutes remaining until kickoff in the Spanish capital. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Rayo enter the match off the back of a positive result, but I find it difficult to make a case for them this evening. I am going to back a comfortable 2-0 Atletico win.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Tiago and Garcia both come into the Atletico midfield, with Koke and Mario Suarez dropping to the bench. Leo Baptistao is also on the bench against his former club. Rayo, meanwhile, continue with Bueno and Lass in attack. Right, the away side get the action underway in the Spanish capital.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium with the home supporters turning up in their numbers. Good early pressure from Atletico as Gabi forces two corners in quick succession, but the first is punched clear by Cobeno before the Spanish goalkeeper comes to claim the second.
The early suggestions are that Rayo will commit players forward when they can this evening with Perea and Lass both quick to join Bueno during a recent counter. Turan attempts to craft an opening for the home side moments later as he turns outside the box before feeding the run of Villa, but Tito is across to clear at the vital moment.
First sign of Lass as the Rayo winger collects possession on the left before driving a cross into the box, but Courtois is out to claim at the vital moment. Villa and Costa combine down the other end moments later, but the latter can only clip his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. Good tempo to the opening six minutes in the Vicente Calderon.
Half-chance for Saul as the Spaniard collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Gabi attempts to find the run of Turan inside the Rayo full-back, but once more Cobeno is out to clear under pressure from Costa.
If Atletico thought that Rayo would come here and just sit back then they would be sadly mistaken. The away side are almost playing with four forwards as Larrivey and Lass attempt to join Bueno and Perea at every opportunity. It is opening up gaps down the other end, but the likes of Turan and Gabi have been unable to find the runs of Costa and Villa with 10 minutes on the clock.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments with Juanfran and Luis seeing plenty of the ball down each wing, but Rayo have been able to quell the danger in the middle thus far. One thing is for certain, Rayo know how to play football. They will play the correct way, which in truth, should suit Atletico, especially on the counter. Still 0-0, but it has been a lively opening in the Spanish capital.
Paco Jemez will certainly be content with what he has seen thus far as his side continue to enjoy possession in the Atletico half. We have not seen too much from the likes of Villa and Costa, who both put in a serious shift in the Super Cup against Barcelona during the week. The noise levels inside the stadium remain just sensational. This could be a special season for Atletico.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Juanfran continues to provide width down the right, but that in turn is opening the door for Lass to attack in behind. Turan has a sniff following a cross from Costa, but his header is blocked by the diving Galvez.
Just a reminder that Atletico began their league season last weekend with a 3-1 win away to Sevilla, while Rayo were also 3-0 winners over Elche. Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments, however, with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the middle of the pitch. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Rayo (Garcia)
Atletico have the lead with 17 minutes on the clock as Garcia meets a corner from Turan before turning his effort into the bottom corner. It almost trickled past the goalkeeper, but Cobeno could not prevent it finding the back of the net. First blood to the home side.
It is harsh on Rayo, who had started well, but that is football at the highest level. Atletico don't always play brilliant football, as they showed last season, but they find a way to win football games. Now it is up to the away side to dig deep and prevent a second in quick succession.
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Rayo (Costa)
Atletico have their second in quick succession as Turan dances into the box before finding Costa, who simply cannot miss from close range. That is his third league goal of the season. He could become the player of this campaign there is no question about that.
Well, Rayo started impressively, but they find themselves 2-0 down with 23 minutes on the clock. It is important that they keep it tight for the next five or so minutes, another goal at this stage could make it very nasty in the second period. Can Atletico mount a serious title challenge this season? They will be closer to the top two there is no question about that.
Half-chance for the away side as Larrivey rises highest in the penalty area, but he can only plant his header high and wide of the crossbar. Atletico break down the other end moments later with Turan, but this time his cross is straight into the arms of the Rayo goalkeeper. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
We have not seen too much from Bueno in the last few moments, with the summer recruit from Real Valladolid struggling for possession in the final third. Lass remains a danger down the left, but he has been unable to find his crossing range thus far. Atletico are in control and indeed comfortable with 28 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the home side as Luis strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. I think you know that you are in control when your left-back decides to have a strike from some 40 yards. I am not sure Simeone would be too impressed, but his side are very comfortable on their own patch. The second goal just killed Rayo's threat there is no question about that.
Costa is in the wars once more as the Brazilian strikes backs into Galvez before being fouled by the Rayo full-back. Costa is again involved moments later in a pushing war with Saul, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. One thing is for certain, Costa is not the most popular player among the opposition in La Liga. But he is a real hero at the Vicente Calderon.
The stadium is absolutely bouncing at the moment as we approach the latter stages of the first period. When things are going well, this is a special place to play football. First real sign of Villa as the former Barcelona striker drives down the left before cutting into the box, but Tito is on hand to clear, before Costa loses possession inside the box moments later.
GOAL! Atletico 3-0 Rayo (Turan)
Jemez does not wait around to make a change as Galvez leaves the field for Anaitz Arbilla. It does not stop Atletico scoring their third, however, as Costa feeds Turan, who rounds the goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net. Wonderful, just wonderful from the home side.
Well, Rayo have not played particularly bad this evening, but they find themselves 3-0 down. That is the difference when you play the top teams in the division. Atletico only conceded 12 league goals at this stadium last season. Good luck Rayo!
Rayo were actually 4-0 down at this stadium in the corresponding match last season, only to score three times in the final stages and lose 4-3. Will we have a repeat of that this evening? Atletico are not finished in the first half as Villa comes close to breaking the offside trap, but the Spaniard had just moved beyond the final defender one second too early.
Good grief Luis has time to put the kettle on down the left as he is allowed time and space to find a cross towards Costa, but Galvez manages to clear at the vital moment. Lass attempts to provide some respite down the other end, but he runs down the left before losing possession. Atletico are in total command with two minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for Rayo to force the issue from a set piece as Bueno whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Miranda is on hand to clear the danger at the vital moment. Not too much in terms of attacking intent from Atletico as we move closer to the half-time whistle. What a half it has been for the Copa del Rey holders.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 3-0 Rayo
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 3-0 courtesy of goals from Garcia, Costa and Turan. Rayo did start positively, but were utterly taken apart in the space of 15 minutes. It is a damage limitation exercise for them in the second period.
BENCH WATCH: Well, if Atletico wanted to change things in the second period, they could look to their bench which includes the likes of Koke, Adrian, Leo Baptistao and Mario Suarez. Rayo are short of options on their bench, however, with Adrian and Ruben their only attacking players. It could be a long evening for the capital outfit.
At least it will not be a long trip home for Rayo's supporters this evening, that is one positive to take. As a contest, this match is over, but Rayo need to make sure they are not on the end of a real thumping here. For Atletico, they will want to send out a message of intent with Barcelona travelling to Malaga in the 8pm start this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As briefly touched upon, Barcelona are in action following this match, while Real Betis host Celta Vigo in the 10pm start. No changes for either side at the interval as Atletico get the second period underway.
Big penalty shout for the home side as Turan bursts through the defence before driving into the box, Tito makes the challenge, but does not appear to get any of the ball. The referee is not interested, but in my opinion, it was a stonewall penalty. What on earth were the defenders doing?!
You just get the feeling that the away need to keep it tight in the early stages and hope that Atletico's level drops. A 3-0 result, at this stage, would not be disastrous, but losing 5-0, 6-0 would cause serious confidence issues. Just a reminder that Rayo finished eighth last season, I would be astounded if they finished in the top 15 this time around.
Rayo make their second change in the early stages of the second period as Bueno, who scored twice on his debut last week, is replaced by Raul Baena. That is the clearest indication that Jemez is attempting to keep things tight rather than look for a route back into the match. All Atletico in the opening seven minutes of the second period.
Better from Rayo in the last couple of moments with the away side forcing the issue with a couple of corners in quick succession, but neither comes close to causing Courtois problems. Luis takes a nasty one moments later following a challenge with Lass, but the Brazilian is deemed fit to continue. Cobeno gets himself in a right mess moments later when he attempts to clear the ball, but Costa cannot reach the ball despite the goalkeeper's slip.
GOAL! Atletico 4-0 Rayo (Tiago)
Rayo simply cannot cope with the home side at the moment as Tiago ghosts into the box before planting a powerful header into the top corner. Godin came close moments before, but the centre-back could not find the corner from close range. That is four for the home side with little more than 35 minutes remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Turan drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but Villa just cannot make contact under pressure from Galeano, who has really struggled to deal with the home side's attack this evening. Rayo just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the pressure continues to rise.
As good as Atletico have been this evening, Rayo have been just about as poor as I have seen them in recent seasons. Slight sense of frustration as Lass appears to lash out at Godin, but the referee takes no action. The resulting free kick presents Rayo with the chance to deliver a cross into the box, but Courtois is on hand to make the clearance.
Just a reminder that Atletico were 4-0 up at this stage of the corresponding fixture last season, but Rayo scored three times in the final eight minutes to move one behind their Madrid rivals. Lass is again the threat for Rayo as he drives into the box, but he loses his footing at the vital moment, allowing Godin across to clear the danger.
Atletico make their first change of the match as Gabi is replaced by Koke, whose breakthrough campaign last season recently earned him his fourth cap for Spain. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Rayo have started to see more of the ball in the opposing half.
Rayo make their third and final change of the match at the Vicente Calderon as Perea is replaced by Cueva, who is on loan at the club this season. A half-chance arrives for Villa moments later, but the Spaniard had just moved one second too early. The striker will be keen to get among the goals with little under 25 minutes of football remaining.
Atletico look to their bench for the second time this evening as Adrian Lopez, who has been widely linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, replaces Costa, who scored his side's second. He is an absolute hero at Atletico there is no question about that. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Atletico's attacking intent just dropping since they scored their third. The home side make their final change of the match as Leo, who departed Rayo for Atletico this summer, enters the field to replace Turkish international Turan.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the middle of the pitch. Finally Rayo have a half-chance as Saul strikes an effort from outside the box, but Courtois is on hand to collect the danger. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining, with Atletico in total command on their home patch.
Best spell of the match for Rayo with Baena and Saul starting to see more of the ball in the final third. The latter attempts to create a half-chance as Larrivey bursts into the box, but Godin is across to clear at the vital moment. Atletico's tempo has certainly dropped as we move closer to the final whistle. It was job done as soon as they scored their second this evening.
Couple of half-chances for the home side in quick succession, but Godin can only plant his header over the crossbar from close range, before Adrian is challenged by Tito at the final moment inside the box. The referee has been called into action, meanwhile, to deal with a number of late challenges in the middle-part of the pitch. One goal for Rayo would at least give their supporters something to cheer this evening.
CROSSBAR! Villa comes close to scoring his first of the evening as the Spaniard collects a low cross from Leo before clipping his effort over Cobeno, but it smashes against the crossbar. He cannot believe it, and neither can anyone inside the stadium.
In truth, not much has happened since Atletico scored their fourth of the evening. Now the home side's focus will switch to the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona on Wednesday, with the two sides level at 1-1. Rayo, meanwhile, will hope to return to winning ways when they face Levante on Friday.
Just a final reminder that following this match we have action from Malaga as the home side welcome Barcelona. We also have live commentary from Levante against Sevilla, which also kicks off at 8pm - be sure to remain with us and you will not miss a kick. Atletico have just started to play again in the last couple of moments with Adrian and Leo causing problems in the final third.
Good possession from Rayo in the last couple of moments as they work the ball from left to right before Rayo delivers a low cross into the box, but Courtois is out to claim the danger. I am surprised that the Belgian goalkeeper has not fallen asleep in the latter stages, well throughout the entire 87 minutes to date. It will be one of the easiest games he has ever had there is no question about that.
There is certainly another goal in this one for the home side if they wish to force the issue. The pace of Leo and Adrian has caused all sorts of problems in the second period, but neither has been able to find the back of the net. It does appear that Atletico will have to settle for just the four goals as we enter the final minute.
GOAL! Atletico 5-0 Rayo (Garcia)
Atletico have their fifth in the final minute as Koke drifts into the box before finding Garcia, who simply cannot miss from close range. What a terrific performance from the capital outfit this evening.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 5-0 Rayo
So there we have it. Atletico secure all three points with a 5-0 win over Rayo. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Malaga against Barcelona. Until then!
