Rayo Vallecano welcomed Getafe to the Spanish capital on Monday with both sides enjoying successful starts to the season.
The home side dominated the first period and found themselves 2-0 ahead at the break courtesy of goals from Lass and Piti.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Piti scoring his second in the early stages, but Paco Alcacer had one back for Getafe with 25 minutes to play.
They could not mount a late response, however, and it got worse for the away side in the latter stages as Michel was handed his marching orders.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 18 in La Liga is completed as Rayo welcome Getafe to the Spanish capital. Both sides have enjoyed impressive openings to the season, but Getafe have struggled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five matches in all competitions. That is in contrast to Rayo, who have won their last two matches on the bounce.
Neither side has been particularly impressive in front of goal this season, with Rayo scoring just 22 goals in their 17 matches to Getafe’s 21. That said, Getafe have scored in all but two of their league fixtures thus far and have proved that they are capable of finding the back of the net. Just how difficult they find that this evening will depend on the Rayo side that turns up.
It would probably be fair to state that the home side are one of the most inconsistent teams to ever play in Spain’s top division. When they are on form, they are a very good side. But it is a different matter entirely when their influential players do not turn up. That said, if you had offered them ninth spot at this stage of the season then they would have taken it, that is for certain.
TEAMS:
RAYO: Martinez; Tito, Galvez, Amat, Martinez; Piti, Trashorras, Fuego, Dominguez; Lass, Leo
GETAFE: Moya; Alexis, Torres, Lopo, Valera; Martinez, Castro, Lafita, Michel, Torres; Alvaro
Getafe will take heart from the fact that only Deportivo La Coruna and Athletic Bilbao have conceded more goals in the league than Rayo this season (32). Just 12 of those strikes have come on their own turf, however, and they have kept four clean sheets in the process. That is more than Barcelona and the same as Real Madrid.
Getafe have been impressive on the road, however. They have conceded 13 goals away from home, just one fewer than Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, they have conceded 25 goals in all, fairly average in terms of the rest of La Liga. I think it would probably be fair to assume that the match this evening will be decided by the odd goal, rather than a rout by either team.
Rayo have won three of their last four matches at home, while they have also scored at least twice in four of their last six home matches in the league. For those who fancy a flutter this evening, then Rayo can be backed at 5/4 with many reputable bookmakers which is a good price for a side that are notoriously strong on their own patch.
Just a reminder that we will be covering the Copa del Rey this week on Sports Mole with two five matches over the next three evenings. Be sure to join us for that with Barcelona and Real Madrid both in action. Switching our focus back to this evening, we are just under 10 minutes from kickoff.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get this La Liga fixture underway. Three points for the home side would move them into seventh position, but Getafe could also move into seventh with the victory.
Just a final reminder on the main team news for the match. Rayo pair Lass and Leo Baptistao in attack. Meanwhile, Piti and Alejandro Dominguez are also included in an attacking side. For Getafe, they name a more defensive team with Alvaro set to lead their line. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I am backing a score draw this evening.
Here we go then. Two of the less glamorous teams in Madrid face off this evening. You get the feeling that the first goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could prove to be vital in terms of the final result. The referee blows his whistle and Rayo get the action underway.
Decent start from the home side with Javi Fuego collecting possession in midfield before attempting to find the run of Leo Bapistao in behind the Getafe defence, but the offside flag was raised. Not a full house inside the ground this evening, but a fair crowd nonetheless.
Neither side has really settled in the opening stages with both teams exchanging possession in and around the centre circle. Rayo's midfield has certainly seen more of the ball, but thus far they have faced a line of blue shirts on the edge of the Getafe penalty area.
Another half-chance for the home side as Lass forces a corner from Alexis. The delivery is whipped into the penalty area by Fuego, but Leo had just drifted into an offside position in the second phase of play and Miguel Moya restarts with a goal kick. Getafe advance down the other end with Gavilan, but it doesn't stick and the danger is cleared.
Decent atmosphere inside the stadium with eight minutes on the clock, but it is the away supporters making the most of the early noise. Their team has yet to really create anything of note, however, with Rayo enjoying the majority of the possession. However, we still await the first real chance of the match.
First half-chance for the away side as Castro wins a free kick just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Gavilan, but his effort is poor as it smashes straight into the wall. The man who would normally have been on set pieces - Pedro Leon - is currently injured for Getafe.
No real pattern to the match at the moment with both sides having half-chances to attack the opposing penalty area. A long-range strike eventually comes from Piti, but his effort was well wide of the Getafe goal. It has been that type of match thus far. I shouldn't think that there will be too many goals this evening.
Still not a great deal to report in terms of chances with 14 minutes on the clock. In fairness to both sets of supporters they are continuing to create a good atmosphere inside the stadium, but the quality of the football has not measured up thus far. A half-chance does come for Lass as Leo finds his strike partner in the box, but his effort is straight at Moya.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Getafe (Lass)
Oh my good grief what a strike. The watching scouts from England will have been impressed with that goal as Lass picks up possession before driving into the penalty area and thumping his effort into the top corner.
Well that has certainly livened up a dull 16 minutes. Just a quick note on what I touched on in the previous post. It is understood that there are a number of Premier League scouts at this match as English clubs look for the next bargain. The next Michu if you will.
Much more of a high-tempo match at the moment with both teams attacking with intent and purpose for the first time. Rayo commit numbers forward with Lass and Leo, but the latter cannot sort out his feet in the area and the danger is cleared. Getafe's passing has also become quicker, but they are yet to test the goalkeeper.
Another half-chance for the home side as Fuego picks up possession before attempting to slide a pass towards Leo, but Valera is equal to the danger and produces a smart challenge to clear his lines. Another high ball towards the goalkeeper threatens to cause concern, but Moya collects before restarting an attack for his side.
Again it's good work from Lass down the Rayo right as he collects possession before driving into the penalty area and producing a low cross, but Alexis is across to clear the danger. I am not entirely sure what the Rayo winger had for dinner this evening but I want some. That is for certain. His goal remains the difference with 22 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! The home side come within a whisker of scoring their second as Piti combines with Leo before striking a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves past the post. That should have been 2-0 and it would have been a long way back for Getafe.
Getafe register their first attempt on target as Lafita ghosts into the penalty area before striking a low effort on goal, but it never really threatened to hassle Ruben Andrade who collected with ease. More good wide play create a half-chance for the home side, but Alberto Lopo is on hand to make the clearance.
It's all one-way traffic at the moment with the home side having three attempts on goal in quick succession. The first from Trashorras is cleared off the line, before Moya blocks a Leo effort and a Lass strike is cleared for a corner. The resulting set piece causes problems, but it is eventually cleared. Rayo are so dominant at the moment.
Rayo continue to pepper the Getafe goal with efforts as Leo and Tito both come close with powerful attempts, but Moya is once more equal to the danger. The home side really need that second, because Getafe will respond in the second period. In truth they could not get much worse.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 2-0 Getafe (Piti)
The home side have their second of the evening and it had been coming. It's a wonderful pass from Tito as the defender spots the run of Piti, the winger connects first time to fire his effort into the bottom corner. That is his seventh goal of the season. Game over?!
Getafe have simply not turned up in this match thus far. They might have got away with their performance had Rayo not been right at it from the kickoff, but that has not been the case. The movement of Leo and Lass is causing the away side all sorts of problems with Piti also joining from deep.
It's slightly better from the away side as Valera collects possession on the edge of the area before whipping a cross into the penalty box, but Jordi Amat is equal to the danger. Meanwhile, the supporters continue to make their voices known with little under 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Getafe are enjoying their best period of the match as they continue to pass and probe around the edge of the Rayo penalty area. Diego Castro, who has not been involved thus far, collects on the left before drilling a cross into the box, but Nacho stoops low to clear.
Rayo break up the spell of pressure as Leo advances down the other end, but he is chopped down by Miguel Torres. In fairness it has not been that type of match, shown by the fact that we are yet to see a yellow card. The set piece is taken short to Amat, but his cross is cleared by Lopo.
Little over five minutes of the half remaining and Rayo appeared to have just ridden out the spell of pressure from Getafe. Meanwhile, a couple of free kicks have just interrupted the flow of the match. If Getafe are to take something from this match then they simply have to score the next goal.
It has become a slightly untidy match as we approach the latter stages of the half. Getafe appear to have lost their way somewhat in the past few moments as they continue to lose possession before committing a foul in their attempt to regain the ball. Among all of this the supporters still sing their hearts out.
Not a great deal to report in terms of attacking chances with 43 minutes on the clock. Getafe are seeing more of the ball, but neither side's passing was been particularly good in the last five or so minutes. However, it is so delicately poised ahead of the second period. Getafe will have to come out and play.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half. Rayo threaten with a couple of late corners, but on both occasions the danger is cleared. Lafita has a late strike for Getafe, but Martinez comes to collect with ease.
HALF-TIME: Rayo Vallecano 2-0 Getafe
So there we have it. The first period is brought to an end with Rayo leading 2-0 at the interval. The first strike came from Lass after 14 minutes, before Piti made it two with a fine volley before the 30-minute mark. It is a long way back for Getafe.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Rayo have dominated the possession with 60%, while they have had 11 attempts to Getafe's five. In fairness to the away side they have responded since falling behind, but it may be too little too late.
In terms of the second period, Rayo will surely been pleased with their opening half of football and it is unlikely that they will make changes at the break. Getafe, however, could turn to Paco Alcacer for more movement in the final third. As it stands Rayo would move into seventh, with Getafe remaining 10th.
Just a quick reminder about the week ahead on Sports Mole. We have five live commentaries from the Copa del Rey over the next three days with Real Madrid and Barcelona in action. Be sure to join us for that. Right, the second period is just a couple of minutes away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. You do get the feeling that the next goal in the match - if there indeed is one - could decide the final result. A third for the home side would all but secure the points, but if Getafe score then it is very much game on in Madrid. Getafe get the second period underway.
Rayo start the second period in impressive fashion as Leo collects possession before driving to the edge of the Getafe box, but he is just challenged at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. It is so important that Getafe stay in the match in the early stages with the home supporters remaining ever so vocal.
Unfortunately the untidiness from the first period has just crept into this half with both sides picking up a couple of bookings. It has not been that type of match for large periods, but Getafe's frustration is growing as they continue to struggle to create clear attempts on goal.
Another half-chance comes for the home side as Lass drives down the left before striking a low cross into the box, but Torres clears. Castro collects in the Rayo half and attempts to find the run of Alvaro, but the pass was always running away from the striker. End-to-end football at the moment, but no real chances in the second half thus far.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 3-0 Getafe (Piti)
And just like that it is game over. Again Lass and Leo are involved as they combine before the latter squares to Piti, who cannot miss as he finds the bottom corner to score his eighth goal of the season. Wonderful attacking football from the home side.
Getafe attempt to respond immediately down the other end as Lafita ghosts into the penalty area, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by the midfielder, but the delivery is poor and Andrade comes to collect.
POST! Getafe come within a whisker of opening their tally for the evening as Gavilan strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but it thumps off the post. In fairness to the away side they have launched a decent response, but the match as a contest has been long gone.
The match is just spilling over at the moment with bodies down all over the pitch following a host of challenges. For the neutral, it is a shame that this match has panned out how it has. Not that the home supporters will be complaining. But a goal for Getafe at this stage would at least give them some hope.
Lass goes in search of his second as he collects possession on the edge of the box before driving into the penalty area, but he just cannot get his shot away and the danger is cleared. Still no changes for either side on the hour mark, which is a surprise considering how the second period has developed.
Leo continues to impress for the home side as he drives down the right before striking a powerful effort on the run, but it smashes into the side netting. Meanwhile, Espanyol do make their first change of the evening as Gavilan is replaced by Paco Alcacer. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
The home side respond with their first change of the evening as the goalscorer Lass is replaced by Franco Vasquez. I suspect that a few English scouts will have been impressed with Lass's performance this evening. That phone could be busy tomorrow. Leo has also been wonderful thus far.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, although Rayo continue to look the more likely to add to the scoring. This match is over as a contest and both teams know it. Try telling the supporters that not much is happening though, they are singing their hearts out at the moment.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 3-1 Getafe (Alcacer)
Did anyone see that coming? Getafe open their tally for the evening as Alcacer latches onto a loose ball inside the penalty area before finding the back of the net from close range. Game on?! They need another and quickly.
Leo attempts to grab his second down the other end as he collects a pass from Fuego before driving into the box, but he just cannot find a finish to match and Moya is comfortable in dealing with the danger. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match.
Another half-chance for the home side as Leo finds Dominguez in the penalty area, but his attempt to produce a scorpion kick does horribly wrong and he fails to make proper contact. Really high tempo to the match at the moment with both teams attacking with intent and purpose. Will we have late drama here?
Getafe make their second change of the evening as Castro is replaced by Pablo Sarabia. The former is on a yellow card so that is a smart move by Luis Garcia. Little over 20 minutes remaining and the score stays at 3-1. However, Getafe have possession in an advanced area as we speak.
CHANCE! Dominguez has a glorious opportunity to score the home side's fourth as he advances on goal, but again his finish is disappointing as he strikes his effort straight at the goalkeeper. That should have been game, set and match.
RED CARD: Michel: Getafe are reduced to 10 men here as Michel is sent on his way for foul and abusive language. The defender had been involved in a nasty challenge with Leo, but the away side will now have to play out the remaining 15 minutes or so with 10 men.
Another half-chance for the home side as Leo advances on goal, but once more his effort is straight at the goalkeeper and the danger is cleared. You get the feeling that there are still more goals to come in this match. It has been a fine evening of Spanish football that must be said.
The away side make their third change of the evening as Lafita is replaced by Borja for the final 12 minutes of football. Not a great deal to report in terms of attacking pressure from Getafe since they opened their tally. It was certainly a case of too little too late.
Rayo also make another change as Dominguez is replaced by Andrija Delibasic. Little over 10 minutes of football to play and the home side remain 3-1 in the lead. Bar a late miracle they are heading for seventh position in the table. Meanwhile, the home supporters continue to create a sensational atmosphere inside the ground.
Getafe just have nothing left to give as another tame attack comes to an end with Alvaro losing possession in the final third. Rayo continue to pass and probe as they go in search of their fifth goal. The bad news for Rayo is that they will have scouts sniffing around their young players after their performances this evening.
Rayo have the ball back in the net once more as Piti meets a high cross in the penalty area, but the offside flag was just raised. Leo comes close moments later with a powerful drive from the edge of the box, but it just moves high of the crossbar.
Meanwhile, the home side make their third change of the evening as Piti is replaced by Manuel Arana. Little over five minutes of football to play in the Spanish capital. We have not been disappointed on this final match of week 18 in Spain's top division.
Rayo continue to dominate possession as we enter the final moments of this match. Getafe continue to hassle and harry the home side in midfield, but their passing has been ever so slick in this match, especially in the second period.
Getafe come close to their second as Alvaro collects possession outside the box before attempting to drive into the penalty area, but he is just crowded out at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. Torres comes close with a strike from distance moments later, but Andrade collects.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes at the end of the match. The first of those brings a free kick for the home side just outside the penalty area as Fuego is felled by Alexis, but Leo's effort comes to nothing.
Not a great deal to report in stoppage time with Rayo dominating possession. The home supporters continue to drive their team over the finish line. They are heading for their third successive win on their own patch. Little over a minute of football remaining.
FULL-TIME: Rayo Vallecano 3-1 Getafe
Handbags at the end of the match as temperatures threaten to boil over, but it quickly calms down. So there we have it. Rayo move into seventh position in the table with an impressive 3-1 win over Getafe, who remain 10th. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for Copa del Rey football tomorrow. Until then, it's good evening.
