Celta Vigo welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Estadio de Balaidos on Sunday knowing that three points would have moved them to within one point of safety.
It was the away side that opened the scoring, however, when Piti found the back of the net with a cool finish after 14 minutes.
Celta pushed for the leveller in the latter stages, but they were stung on the counter when Andrija Delibasic made it 2-0 from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! The first of our four La Liga live commentaries on Sunday comes from Vigo as Celta Vigo welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Estadio de Balaidos. The home side remain in relegation trouble with nine matches of the season remaining, while Rayo’s European push has stalled in recent weeks.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five matches, with the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, the reverse clash earlier in the season ended in a 3-2 win for the home side, but the pair have not met at this stadium since October 2009, when the Segunda Division clash ended in a 0-0 draw.
A solid start to the season handed Celta hopes of a successful campaign, but they have fallen away badly in recent months. A run of just one win from their last five matches has left them in 19th position in the table, three points from safety. Home form becomes all the more important as they attempt to remain in the division.
Their form in Vigo has been fairly impressive this season with five wins from their 14 matches, losing just four times in the process. However, their away form has been dire, with just one win and one draw from their 15 matches on the road, comfortably the worst total in the entire division.
TEAMS:
CELTA: Varas; Cabral, Demidov, Lago, Johny; Pranjic, Oubina, Fernandez, Lopez; Park, Orellana
RAYO: Ruben; Casado, Figueras, Tito, Galvez; Fuego, Trashorras, Dominguez; Piti, Bangoura, Leo
So there we have it. Still no Iago Aspas for the home side, with on-loan Arsenal striker Chu-young Park and Fabian Orellana starting in attack. However, Mario Bermejo and Michael Krohn-Dehli are both on the bench. Rayo, meanwhile, welcome Leo Baptistao back into the team, but Andrija Delibasic is named on the bench.
Rayo have taken just four points from their last six matches, the joint-third worst record in the division. They had harboured hopes of a Champions League position at the turn of the year, but they are now seven points off the top four with nine matches to play. That said, a top-half finish would be considered a success.
Their away form has been fairly disappointing this season, however, with just four wins from their 14 matches, losing nine times in the process. That is in contrast to their home form, where they have won nine of their 15 matches, although they have lost five times on their own patch.
Taking a look at the statistics, we could be in for a high-scoring match this afternoon. Celta have conceded 43 goals in their 29 matches, but Rayo have conceded 49 times, among the highest in the division. Down the other end, Celta have struggled with just 29 goals, but Rayo have scored 38 times.
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, just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither team has been in particularly good form in recent weeks, therefore I am going to sit on the fence and back a score draw in Vigo.
Just a quick word on the main team news. Still no Aspas for Celta, with Park and Orellana named in attack. Krohn-Dehli is in the squad, but must make do with a spot on the bench. Rayo, meanwhile, have Leo Baptistao available once more, but Jordi Amat drops to the bench. Right, a couple of minutes later than expected, the home side get the action underway at the Estadio de Balaidos.
Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, but there is certainly a good atmosphere on this rainy day in Vigo. These are the type of matches that Celta simply have to win if they are to remain in the division. Early half-chance for the away side as Piti drives a low cross into the box, but Cabral clears for a throw.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Leo beats the offside trap before advancing on goal, but somehow he fires his effort wide of the target. The Brazilian cannot quite believe it as he turns away in frustration. Celta have got away with one there.
The home side just have not started this match as they continue to come under pressure down each wing. Finally Park does gather possession in the Rayo half, but he is immediately surrounded by two defenders. Rayo have certainly made the better start to this La Liga encounter, but the scores remains 0-0.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side this time as Alex Lopez floats a wonderful cross into the box towards Park, but the on-loan Arsenal striker just cannot make proper contact with the ball. How on earth has he missed?! Explosive opening eight minutes of football in Vigo.
Better from Celta in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Ruben before Lago heads the second over the crossbar. Rayo attempt to break moments later with the pace of Lass, but the speedy winger is quelled by Demidov, who wins a corner moments later.
Rayo just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue with a series of corners, but Ruben has remained strong to the danger. Once more Rayo look to break after gaining possession, but it breaks down, before the referee turns down a penalty appeal for the home side with Casado appearing to handle in the box.
Hardly time to take a breath this afternoon as the two sides continue to force the issue, with each prepared to commit numbers to each attack. I would be astounded if we did not see goals this afternoon. Neither side is too concerned with defending as the tempo continues to rise. Still goalless after 14 minutes, but it has been an enthralling watch.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 0-1 Rayo (Piti)
First blood to Rayo! The away side open the scoring with 14 minutes on the clock as Lass drives a low cross into the box, it falls to Piti, who flicks it past Varas from close range. That is a sensational finish from the Rayo skipper. It had been coming.
It is so important that Celta stay in the match in the next five minutes or so, it would be difficult to see them recovering from 2-0 behind. Piti is involved moments later as he combines with Leo before driving a low cross into the box, but Lago is on hand to make the clearance.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Leo curls an effort just wide for Rayo before Orellana fires into the arms of Ruben down the other end. The referee has been largely a spectator thus far with relatively few challenges being made despite the high tempo. It is the type of match, however, that could see a man dismissed as both sides fight for the ball.
Half-chance for the home side as Lopez floats a high free kick into the box, but Ruben comes a long way to claim the danger. A slight scuffle follows with Park and Casado, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. Another half-chance for the away side moments later as Lass fires a cross into the box, but Demidov is on hand to clear.
Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last few moments with both teams guilty of being wasteful in possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could shape the entire result. The opening 23 minutes has just flown by in Vigo.
Half-chance for the home side as Lago collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. Park has an opportunity moments later from inside the box, but he can only thump wide of the bottom corner.
Rayo just cannot keep the ball at the moment, which is inviting Celta to push deep in their half. They are almost stung on the counter as Lass fires a dangerous cross into the box, but it was just an inch too long for Leo, who had thrown himself at the ball. Leo is involved once more moments later, but his threaded pass towards Dominguez is cleared by Cabral.
Orellana is the latest Celta player to try his luck from distance as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Unless it is an absolute 'worldie' then Ruben is going to be comfortable with strikes from that distance. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with Rayo leading 1-0.
Piti becomes the first player to enter the referee's book for handball. The resulting free kick drops for Park in the box, who turns and strikes an effort on goal, but once more it was straight at the Rayo goalkeeper. The pressure continues as Orellana floats a cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Pranjic, who had made a late run into the box.
Neither side can keep possession of the ball for longer than 10 seconds at the moment, which is contributing to an enthralling match. Another half-chance comes to the away side as Leo beats the offside trap before advancing into the box, but the Brazilian can only fire wide of the target under creasing pressure from Demidov. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Penalty appeal for the home side as Orellana takes a tumble under contact from Casado, but the referee is not interested. Replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. Pranjic attempts to force the issue moments later with a floated cross behind the Rayo defence, but Ruben is quick off his line to quell the danger at the vital moment.
Another half-chance for the home side as Lopez creates some space on the edge of the box before striking an effort towards goal, but once more Ruben was more than equal to the danger. Dominguez appears to have a slight problem as he lands awkwardly following a high challenge, but it does appear likely that he will be fit to continue. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
The tempo of this match has not stopped for one moment, despite the fact that we have just three minutes of the first period remaining. This time Trashorras tries his luck from distance, but his effort was palmed away by the home side's goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Pranjic is in the wars as he appears to turn his knee in a challenge with Fuego.
Penalty shout for the home side as Orellana is caught with a firm challenge by Tito, but once more the referee waves play on. It must be said that Pedro Perez has officiated this fixture to the highest standard thus far. It has not been easy with the amount of challenges flying in, but he has awarded just the two yellow cards.
Not too much to report in the final stages of the first period with both teams seemingly preparing to enter the break as things stand. A free kick comes into the box from Fernandez, but once more Park can only head over the bar. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
HALF-TIME: Celta Vigo 0-1 Rayo Vallecano
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Rayo leading 1-0 courtesy of a fine finish from Piti after 11 minutes. Clear chances have been few and far between, but there have been plenty of indications that we will see more goals in the second period.
STATISTICS: The away side have just about shaded the possession with 51%, while they have had six attempts to Celta's four. If it were a boxing match, then Rayo would certainly be leading on points at this stage. But you just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Mario Bermejo, Kike de Lucas and Michael Krohn-Dehli. Meanwhile, Rayo have the likes of Delibasic and Vasquez in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising based on events thus far. As it stands, Rayo will move into eighth, while Celta would remain second from bottom. The away side get the half underway.
Excuse me, there was indeed one change at the interval with Jonathan Vila replacing Demidov for the home side. Straight swap in defence. It is understood that Demidov picked up a muscular problem in the first period. Bright start to the second period from Rayo, meanwhile, as they force a corner following good work from Leo.
Another half-chance for Leo as the Brazilian beats the offside trap before advancing into the box, but Varas is out to gather at the vital moment. Celta immediately force the issue down the other end following good work from Orellana, but once more Park cannot reach the dipping cross.
Oubina is next to try his luck as he meets a cross from Orellana before striking towards goal, but Ruben is equal to the danger. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Leo evades the offside trap once more moments later, but the striker just cannot round Varas, with the Celta goalkeeper performing heroics to take the ball off his toe.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of a number of fouls in the opposing half. Not too much to report in terms of chances, meanwhile, with both struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. However, there is still a lot of football to be played.
Leo remains the threat for the away side as he continues to test the legs of the Celta defence, but he has not had too much luck in front of goal thus far. Meanwhile, Celta make their second change of the match as Park is replaced by Mario Bermejo. Plenty of effort from the former, but he is just not getting the luck in front of goal.
It's good football from the home side as Pranjic collects possession on the left before combining with Orellana, but his cross into the box is cleared by Tito. In fairness to the home supporters, they have stuck by their side despite their struggles in this match. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Again Celta force the issue down the right as Orellana evades two challenges before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Rayo simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment as they continue to be penned in. However, with the pace of Leo and Lass, you fancy them to score one on the counter.
Celta call for a penalty as Vila is bundled over in the penalty area following a set piece, but once more the referee is not interested. Still no movement on the Rayo bench with little under 30 minutes of football remaining. Meanwhile, Celta have made two of their three permitted changes.
Another half-chance for the home side as Lopez collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards the bottom corner, but it deflects wide of the goal. The resulting set piece threatens to cause problems in the Rayo box, but the referee blows for a free kick.
Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change of the match as Pranjic is replaced by Krohn-Dehli, who has dropped out of the team in recent weeks. Abel Resino has played all his cards. If they do not score in the next 20 minutes or so, they will be plunged into deeper relegation trouble. As it stands, Rayo's European push is back on.
Rayo make their first change of the match as Jose Carlos enters the field in place of Lass, who was less than happy about being replaced. That is a strange decision for me with Lass's pace on the counter a real weapon in the latter stages. The pressure is all coming from the home side as we approach the latter stages of the La Liga encounter.
You attack, we attack, you attack, we attack. That has been the pattern in the second period, but Celta just cannot find a way though this stern Rayo defence. The away side have been far from watertight this season, but they are impressing this afternoon. However, there is still a lot of football to be played in Vigo.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few minutes with the referee called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. The latest free kick allows Piti the chance to hit one from distance, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
It just hasn't quite happened for Leo this afternoon as he continues to be muscled off the ball in the final third. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with Celta appearing to run out of ideas. However, there is still more than enough time for this match to change. It remains 1-0 to Rayo.
It is like pinball in the Rayo box as the home side continue to life high crosses into the penalty area, but it just will not fall for a blue shirt. Rayo are not too interested in attacking, meanwhile, as they continue to sit deep and absorb the danger. Will we have a late sting in the tail this afternoon? I would not rule it out.
Handbags between the two sets of players as Leo hits the deck, but Lago attempts to drag the Brazilian from the pitch. A melee follows, but the referee is quick on the scene to calm proceedings. Meanwhile, Rayo make their second change of the match a Leo is replaced by Delibasic.
Orellana is again involved for the home side as he collects possession outside the box before sliding a pass towards Lopez, but once more Tito is across to clear the danger. Rayo break down the other end with Delibasic, but the striker is immediately surrounded by two defenders.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 0-2 Rayo (Delibasic)
Rayo score their second of the match as Delibasic is on hand to turn home following good work from Casado. There was always a danger that the away side would score another on the counter. Surely that has now secured the points for the Madrid outfit.
Rayo mak their third and final change of the match as Adrian replaces Dominguez, who has once more been impressive. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Rayo keeping possession of the ball. This result will put them back in contention for a European spot as we approach the latter stages of the season.
Half-chance for Adrian as the Spaniard beats the offside trap before advancing into the box, his low cross causes problems to the Celta defence, but Ruben is out to claim the danger. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in Vigo. Unless we have very late drama, the home side are heading for another defeat.
That just about sums up Celta this afternoon as Orellana floats a free kick straight into the arms of the Rayo goalkeeper. The crowd have started to disperse with Rayo in complete control of the possession. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time and we are indeed into the first of those.
Delibasic goes in search of his third as he strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Krohn-Dehli has an effort moments later, but it was always rising over the crossbar. That is just about it for this one.
FULL-TIME: Celta Vigo 0-2 Rayo Vallecano
So there we have it. Rayo score a goal in either half to record a 2-0 win over Celta. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football from 3.30pm. Good afternoon!
