Evening all! Week 10 in La Liga opens in the Spanish capital as Rayo Vallecano welcome Real Valladolid. The home side struggled in the early part of the season, but back-to-back wins have allowed them to move out of the bottom three. Valladolid, meanwhile, currently sit 17th, level on points with 18th-place Osasuna.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valladolid have won two of the last three, with Rayo also winning once. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture in this stadium last season ended in a 2-1 win for the away side, but Rayo were 3-0 winners in this stadium when they welcomed Valladolid in the Segunda Division clash in November 2010.

So there we have it. No real surprises in the home side’s XI this evening with on-loan Valencia striker Jonathan Viera and on-loan Tottenham Hotspur forward Iago Falque both selected. There are also spots for Nery Casillo and Raul Baena. Valladolid, meanwhile, recall Manucho in attack, with the former Manchester United striker named alongside Javi Guerra in the final third.

It appeared as if Rayo were heading for a dull goalless draw with fellow strugglers Almeria last time out, but Alex Galvez had other ideas as he sent a beautiful free kick into the top corner in the latter stages. Not only did it leave Almeria rooted to the bottom of the table, it allowed Paco Jemez to move his side out of the relegation zone.

What’s more, they entered that particular match off the back of three points before the international break having overcome Real Sociedad 1-0. It was always going to be a difficult season for Rayo after losing such a number of key personnel in the summer, but the capital outfit do appear to have found some form in the last couple of weeks.

Defending has been a problem for Rayo this season, with 21 conceded in their nine matches thus far. Valladolid have not fared much better, however, with 15 conceded. Goals have also been hard to find for the home side with just seven strikes to their name, but again, Valladolid have a similar total with just nine in their nine matches.

Valladolid appeared to be heading for defeat at home to Sevilla last time out, but two goals in the final 10 minutes – including a stunner from Patrick Ebert – allowed them to claim a point. It has been a disappointing start to the campaign, however, with just seven points from their nine matches leaving them in 17th position in the league.

Valladolid are also yet to win on the road this season with two defeats and two draws in their four matches. Meanwhile, two of Rayo’s three wins this season have come on their own patch. It is too early in the season to talk about must-win games, but this is the type of fixture that both managers would have earmarked for three points.

PREDICTION: It hasn't quite been the start to the season that either side would have wanted, but both have shown some good form in recent weeks. The wet pitch should suit Valladolid, who like to get the ball down and play. It is for that reason that I am backing the away side to pick up all three points in the Spanish capital.

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 has been raining in Madrid this afternoon, but the weather is holding off for the moment. Right, the away side get the action underway in week 10 of La Liga.

It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Rayo might not always get the results, but the supporters continue to back their team. Not too much to report in the opening couple of moments with both sides just attempting to feel their way into the match. The first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital in this type of match.

Good possession for Rayo in the early stages with the likes of Baena and Castillo seeing plenty of the ball. Just a reminder that Rayo have won each of their last two matches by a 1-0 score. They do, however, have the worst defensive record in the league. Not too much from Manucho and Guerra in the Valladolid attack thus far.

Just a few signs that Valladolid are starting to warm to the task as Ebert delivers a dangerous cross into the Rayo box, but Ruben is out to claim at the vital moment. The away side are playing the better football as they feed Manucho outside the box, but the powerful striker asks too much from Guerra, with Ruben on hand to collect once more. Not too much to report in the opening seven minutes of football in the Spanish capital.

The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments with Baraja becoming the first player to enter the book for a poor challenge on Viera. Rayo attempt to force the issue through Perea, but the offside flag is raised. Stop-start tempo in the last couple of minutes. It is the type of match that needs something to spark it into life.

CHANCE! The first opportunity of the match comes to the away side as Manucho collects a loose ball inside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Ruben is on hand to make a fine save at the vital moment. It threatens to fall for a black shirt, but Tito is on hand to clear the danger.

Rayo need to be really careful here as they continue to play around in defence, with the likes of Manucho and Guerra forcing the issue for the away side. There is no question that Valladolid are in control of proceedings with 13 minutes on the clock, but the score remains level. You can sense the tension in the crowd.

Not often you can say this of Ebert, but the German's delivery has been poor thus far. Rayo have been unable to get the likes of Viera and Perea into the match in the opening 16 minutes, with Valladolid looking the more threatening in the final third. The pitch is certainly helping the tempo as the passes continue to slide across the surface.

Better from Rayo as Tito advances down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Pena is on hand to clear the danger. The pressure remains with Falque, but the referee cuts the attack short by awarding a free kick. Again, the referee is more involved than he would like at this particular moment.

Half-chance for the away side as Rama collects possession outside the box before driving past two defenders, but his final effort is straight into the arms of Ruben. Rayo are down the other end with Viera moments later, but the on-loan Valencia forward cannot keep hold of the ball at the vital moment. Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock in this La Liga encounter.

Guerra attempts to take matters into his own hands for Valladolid as he bursts into the Rayo box, but he just loses control at the vital moment, with Ruben watching it out for a goal kick. The home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium, but matters on the pitch have been fairly low-key thus far, which is not too surprising.

The middle of the park is not for the faint hearted at the moment as the challenges continue to fly in, but the referee has awarded just the one yellow card thus far. Valladolid attempt to play their way into the Rayo box moments later, but Rossi asks too much of Manucho.

Rayo want a penalty as Pena appears to fell Castillo inside the box, but the referee is not interested. It falls for Perea moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Manucho is down the other end moments later, but he is crowded out. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes.

I would love to be able to say that there has been a number of chances in the last couple of minutes, but that has not been the case. Both are playing good football in the middle of the park, but neither can find that elusive pass in the final third. It is the type of match that could be decided by a mistake or a moment of brilliance.

Perea attempts to produce that moment of brilliance as he collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Valladolid enjoy a passing sequence moments later, but the move breaks down once more. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.

Valladolid take the lead with 31 minutes on the clock as Ebert takes control of a loose ball outside the box before curling a stunning effort into the top corner. It just had to be the German. The away side lead in the Spanish capital.

It is important that the home supporters stay with their side in the latter stages of the first period. Their side has dominated the possession thus far, but struggled to carve out any real openings. In truth, no surprise that Ebert opened the scoring. He has been the best player on the pitch thus far.

It has been a good response from the home side with Viera attempting to craft outside the Valladolid box, but Valiente and Rueda have been solid in defence thus far. Plenty of time for Rayo to get back into the match, but they have really struggled to make an impact in the final third thus far. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.

Almost another half-chance for the away side as Manucho finds Guerra behind the Rayo defence, but the offside flag is raised, much to the relief of the home supporters. The home side have resulted to driving long crosses into the Valladolid box, but they have not had much success thus far.

Valladolid have their second of the match five minutes before the interval as Guerra carries possession into the Rayo box before driving his low effort into the bottom corner. Clinical finish from the Spaniard, who has now five league goals to his name this season.

Defensive mistakes have cost the home side this evening, with a simple straight ball causing problems to their defence. A half-chance arrives for the home side as Falque delivers a low cross into the box, but Ebert clears the danger. A free kick does arrive moments later, however, as Ebert bundles over Trashorras outside the box.

The resulting free kick is taken by Trashorras, but his effort is straight into the wall. Galvez hit a stunner against Almeria last time out - why is he not on free-kick duty?! Not too much football remaining in the first period, with Valladolid leading 2-0. It is a long way back for Rayo from this position.

So there we have it. The referee brings the half to an end with Valladolid leading 2-0. The away side opened the scoring with a curling effort from Ebert after 31 minutes, before Guerra's cool finish nine minutes later doubled their tally. As it stands, Rayo's recent winning run will come to an end this evening.

STATISTICS: Rayo have dominated the possession with 67%, but they have managed just two attempts, both of which have been off target. Valladolid, meanwhile, have had three attempts on target in the first period. There has been two yellow cards, meanwhile, with the referee booking Galvez for Rayo and Baraja for Valladolid.

BENCH WATCH: The home side are not short of options on their bench this evening with Lass Bangoura, Joaquin Larrivey and Alberto Bueno all in reserve. Valladolid, meanwhile, have the likes of Oscar, Daniel Larsson, Omar and Zakarya Bergich sitting on their bench.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital. Another strike for Valladolid would surely secure all the points. Right, the home side get the second period underway in the Spanish capital.

Double change for Rayo at the interval with Lass and Larrivey replacing Perea and Baena for the second 45 minutes. Valladolid have also made a change with Larsson replacing Ebert, who has reportedly picked up an injury. Bright start to the second half from the home side, with Pena fouling Rama just outside the box.

The first corner of the match comes to Rayo moments later, but Pena is on hand to clear under pressure from Galvez, who had made his way into the opposing box. It must be said that the home supporters are in wonderful voice in the early stages of the half, which is helping their side. A dangerous cross is delivered towards Viera moments later, but Rukavina manages to turn it clear.

Valladolid have their third in the early stages of the second period as Larsson latches onto a defensive mistake before rounding Ruben and sliding his low effort into the back of the net. Is that game, set and match?! The away side are three goals to the good here.

Well, Rayo had made a bright start to the second period, but defensive problems have cost them once more. However, the noise levels inside the stadium say a lot about the home supporters. They will back their side whatever happens this evening. Not too much that Paco Jemez can do, with the Rayo boss making two changes at the interval.

Lass attempts to take matters into his own hands for the home side, but the attacker's cross is straight into the arms of Diego Marino, who has hardly been mentioned this evening. Larrivey has a half-chance in the next attack, but he can only curl his effort wide of the post. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valladolid to add their fourth as Rossi collects possession outside the box before attempting to chip Ruben, but his effort lands on top of the crossbar. Falque has a strike down the other end moments later, but it is into the arms of Marino.

CHANCE! Opportunity for the home side to open their tally for the evening as Trashorras curls an effort from the edge of the box, but Marino is on hand to make a fine save. The resulting corner is delivered into the Valladolid box, but Rukavina is on hand to clear the danger.

As it stands, Valladolid would move into 13th position in the table, picking up just their second league win in the process. That is almost made certain as Rama strikes one from outside the box, but Ruben is on hand to make the save. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment.

Rayo's frustration continues as Lass picks up a booking for fouling Pena inside the Valladolid box. It must be said that the noise levels inside the stadium remain quite sensational. Another half-chance comes to Valladolid moments later as Manucho bursts into the box, but he thumps his effort into the side netting.

Lass continues to look the most likely for the home side as he delivers two dangerous balls into the box in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Pena before Viera clips one over the crossbar. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Manucho gathers possession inside the Rayo box, but the move comes to nothing.

Rayo make their third and final change of the evening as Bueno replaces Castillo. This could get nasty for the home side in the latter stages as they continue to attack - it is leaving all sorts of room for Valladolid on the counter. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital. Valladolid's three-goal lead remains in tact as Larrivey fires one high and wide of the crossbar.

Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last couple of moments, with Valladolid in possession of the ball. In fairness to Rayo, they are attempting to force the issue, but the third goal in the early stages of the second period killed any chance of a comeback. It is almost as if everyone is waiting for the match to end.

Opportunity for Rayo to test Marino as Trashorras delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but the Valladolid stopper is on hand to punch clear. The pressure continues as Larrivey strikes one from the edge of the box, but the Spaniard is across to make a quite stunning save. That would have certainly made things interesting in the final 20 minutes or so.

There is real concern for Marino at the moment as the Valladolid stopper undergoes treatment on the side of the pitch. It appears that he has suffered a rib injury, but for the moment, he continues. Jaime is the sub goalkeeper for Valladolid this evening. Lass clashes with Manucho moments later, with the latter gaining a card for his late challnge.

Another half-chance for the home side as Trashorras strikes a free kick from the edge of the box, but his effort smashes straight into the wall. Not too much from Valladolid in the last couple of moments. However, they make their second change of the match as Garcia replaces Guerra, who scored his side's second this evening.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Valladolid more than happy to keep possession of the ball. In truth, there has not been much between the two sides in general play, but Valladolid have been more threatening and indeed more clinical in the final third. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.

Valladolid make their third and final change of the evening as Alvaro Rubio replaces Baraja, who has been impressive for the away side this evening. He gains a standing ovation from the away supporters as he leaves the field. Rayo continue to play their football, but they are struggling to create in the final third.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valladolid to score their fourth as Larsson bursts into the box before drilling a low cross towards Manucho, but Galvez manages to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered towards the head of Manucho, but the former Manchester United forward cannot make proper contact.

Both sets of supporters have been a credit to their clubs this evening as the atmosphere remains sensational in the latter stages of proceedings. Rayo continue to play most of the football in the final third, but the away side's defence have been solid this evening. Valladolid, as it stands, are moving into 13th position in the table.

Rayo are desperate to open their tally for the evening as they continue to fire high crosses into the Valladolid box, but it just is not happening for the home side. Eventually Lass strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Little under two minutes of football remaining, as Viera tests Marino with a powerful strike.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Larsson to score his second in stoppage time, but his low effort is straight into the arms of Ruben. Moments before, Rayo had a half-chance with Galvez heading straight at Marino from close range. Paco Jemez appreciates his side's reaction in the second period.

Half-chance for Valladolid in the latter stages as Rukavina bursts into the box before cutting a low cross towards Manucho, but Arbilla is across to clear at the vital moment. That is just about that for this one.

So there we have it. Valladolid pick up their first away win of the season with a 3-0 success over Rayo. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us from 4pm tomorrow afternoon for live build-up of El Clasico. Until then!