La Liga champions Atletico Madrid dropped two points against Rayo Vallecano in their first league game of the 2014-15 campaign on Monday.

Atletico created the better chances in the first period, but were lucky to escape with a point following a dominant second-half showing from the home side.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the goalless draw between the two capital rivals.

Match statistics

Rayo Vallecano
Shots: 8
On target: 2
Possession: 59%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 13

Atletico Madrid
Shots: 9
On target: 2
Possession: 41%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 17

Was the result fair?

Rayo Vallecano would strongly argue that they deserved to secure all three points this evening and they would have a serious point. The first 45 minutes were a slight non-event, but Atletico did create the best two chances, with summer signing Mario Mandzukic passing up two good opportunities in quick succession. The tide turned in the second period, however, with Rayo in control for long spells. It was not a match full of clear chances, but Rayo and in particular Manucho, should have won it in the latter stages. Recent fixtures between these two teams have brought plenty of goals, which makes a goalless draw in the capital even more surprising. Both defences must be credited, but the quality in the final third was slightly lacking.

Rayo Vallecano's performance

Earlier in the summer, it was reported that Rayo had just seven first-team players on their books after releasing a number of individuals on free transfers and seeing loan players return to their parent club. As such, it has been a very busy transfer window for head coach Paco Jemez. The Spaniard has done some great business, however, with the likes of Javier Aquino and Jonathan Pereira both arriving on loan from Villarreal and Gael Kakuta from Chelsea. It was one of their free signings that made the biggest difference in the second period, with former Manchester United forward Manucho a thorn in the side of Atletico. The capital outfit conceded 80 times in La Liga last season and picked up just four draws, which is a demonstration of how they play the game. They were impressive defensively this evening, however, and with goals in the team, it could be a very successful campaign. They will come away disappointed with a point against the league champions, which says everything about their performance, especially in the second period.

Atletico Madrid's performance

Atletico were very impressive over the two legs of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid, with Friday's 1-0 win at the Vicente Calderon securing the trophy. There looked to be a hangover from that match, however, with the champions disappointing this evening. As mentioned, they did create the better chances in the first period and perhaps should have entered the interval with the lead, but they really struggled in the second 45 minutes. Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann both struggled to influence the match, while the shape of the team did not seem to work with fellow new signing Raul Jimenez also included in attack. A lesser defence might have crumbled under the late pressure, but they do boast arguably the best centre-back partnership in world football in Diego Godin and Miranda. In the end, they were fortunate to pick up a point, but it could prove to be a valuable draw in the weeks ahead. The fact that head coach Diego Simeone was not present on the sidelines also proved a factor, with the Argentine watching from the stands as he served the first game of his touchline ban.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Manucho: The powerful striker has had plenty of clubs throughout a well-travelled career, but he might have found a home in the capital. The 31-year-old was picked up on a free transfer this summer after leaving Real Valladolid and despite the fact that he started on the bench this evening, he made the biggest contribution. Miranda struggled to deal with the physicality of the striker in the final 20 minutes or so, with his presence alone unnerving the Atletico defence. The only disappointment was that he could not find the back of the net.

Biggest gaffe

There is not really one individual moment that stands out, but Atletico's lack of a creative spark in the final third was worrying this evening. Griezmann really struggled to influence the match and provide support to Mandzukic, while Koke and Gabi were also surprisingly quiet from central areas. It is the type of game that Atletico would have won last season.

Referee performance

As expected, it was not an easy match for referee Clos Gomez due to the intensity on the field. He issued four yellow cards, but that number could have easily risen into double figures, especially in the second period when both sets of players became tired in possession. There was not really a major decision for Gomez to make, while he let the play flow when possible. Neither manager will have had any complaints about his performance.

What next?

Rayo Vallecano: Next up for Rayo is a trip to newly-promoted Deportivo La Coruna next Sunday.

Atletico Madrid: The league champions welcome Eibar to the Vicente Calderon next Saturday.