Rayo Vallecano welcomed Real Valladolid to Madrid on Sunday looking to continue their pursuit of a European position.
Both sides had chances in the first period, but neither could break the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
The tempo of the match improved in the second half, however, with Henrique Sereno handing Valladolid the lead 20 minutes from time.
Rayo equalised moments later when Jordi Amat fired a sensational effort into the back of the net.
There was time for late drama, however, as Manucho tapped home from close range to hand all three points to the visitors.
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 live La Liga commentaries on Sunday gets underway from the Spanish capital as one of the season’s surprise packages Rayo welcome Real Valladolid. It was Valladolid that recorded a thumping 6-1 win over Rayo in the reverse fixture in September, but my how times have changed since then.
The fact that the last league meeting between the two sides in this stadium came in the Segunda Division in 2010 is a marker of how far each has come. Neither is in relegation trouble this season, but it is Rayo that have real chance of European football. For that to transpire, they will see matches since as this as vital.
Rayo suffered disappointment last weekend when they were beaten 2-0 by Real Madrid, despite Jose Mourinho’s side being reduced to 10 men in the first period. It was just about their most disappointing performance of the season, especially having beaten Atletico Madrid the week before. They simply have to return to winning ways today.
Rayo have been strong on their own patch this season, winning eight of their 12 matches, losing just three times in the process. They have also impressed on the road, however, with four wins from 12 matches. Quite remarkably, they have drawn just one game all season. Will it be their second this afternoon?
The home side have conceded a fair amount of goals this season with 41, with just four teams registering a worse return. They have impressed down the other end, however, with 33 goals, which is among the best in the division if you disregard the top three in Spain who have taken it to another level. Right, the confirmed team news is just reaching us.
TEAMS:
RAYO: Ruben; Casado, Tito, Amat, Galvez; Fuego, Trashorras, Piti, Jose Carlos; Dominguez, Leo
VALLADOLID: Hernandez; Sereno, Rukavina, Balenziaga, Rueda; Rubio, Larsson, Ramos, Sastre; Manucho, Bueno
So there we have it. Rayo continue with Dominguez and Leo Baptistao in attack, while Piti also starts in midfield. There are no less than nine Spaniards in the Rayo side for this clash. Valladolid continue with Bueno in attack, but Manucho does return to the team at the expense of Javi Guerra.
Valladolid, meanwhile, have taken just eight points from their last six matches. They currently sit in 13th position in the table, 10 points clear of the relegation zone. It would probably be fair to admit that a mid-table finish would have been what they expected this season. Their away record, meanwhile, is not too disastrous with three wins, two draws and six defeats from 11 matches.
Looking at the numbers, it is no surprise that they have scored 32 goals and conceded 32 goals in their 24 matches. They have not worried too many teams this season, but were hard to beat in the early stages of the campaign. In many ways, this match is just about the hardest to call in this round of La Liga fixtures.
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. Rayo have been impressive in recent weeks despite their blip against Real Madrid, therefore I am backing a 2-0 home win.
Today's referee is Pedro Perez, while his assistants are Jose Matias and Alfonso Hernandez. The fourth official for the clash is Javier Iglesias. Let's hope that we are discussing the football and not the officials come the end of the match. The home side get the action underway.
Bright start to the match from the home side as Dominguez collects possession before finding Leo in the box, but his header is deflected wide for a corner. The first set piece of the match also causes problems to the Valladolid defence, but Dominguez can only head straight at Hernandez. Bright opening from Rayo.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a good atmosphere nonetheless. Rayo really is a charming club. Not too many would deny them success this year. Valladolid start to enjoy a decent period in possession as Rukavina fires a low cross into the box, but Jordi Amat is on hand to turn round his own post.
The bright opening to this match continues as Rayo work the ball from left to right before Piti delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but once more it is turned behind for a corner. The resulting corner is worked short before Trashorras collects on the edge of the box, but he can only fire high and wide of the target.
A reminder that Paco Jemez is once more in the stands this evening as the Rayo boss continues to serve a touchline suspension. The away side come close once more as Larsson strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Really bright opening eight minutes to this La Liga encounter.
Good possession from the home side as they continue to work the ball from left to right. Eventually Fuego feed a low ball behind the Valladolid defence, but Hernandez is out to collect at the vital moment. The home supporters are certainly creating a thrilling atmosphere as the sun shines on this mild afternoon in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Sastre fires a searching cross into the penalty area, but Casado rises above Larsson to clear the danger. An extended period of pressure continues from the resulting corner, but eventually the danger is cleared by Galvez. Really open start to this match with both sides prepared to commit numbers to each attack.
Rayo gain a free kick outside the penalty area as Sastre fells Leo some 30 yards from goal. The resulting free kick is taken by the skipper Piti, but his effort whistles wide of the post. Hernandez did appear to have the effort covered. The opening 14 minutes of this match has just flown by.
Valladolid continue to put the pressure on the home side as Manucho combines with Bueno before striking an effort towards goal, but once more Amat is on hand to make the block. Two corners follow in quick succession, but neither comes close to opening the scoring before the home side launch a counter attack down the other end.
The end-to-end period in the match continues as both sides commit numbers to each attack, but we are still waiting for the first real chance of the match as the first half begins to gather pace. Valladolid craft once more as Rukavina finds Sastre in the box, but his effort is once more deflected behind for yet another corner.
The sun is shining in the Spanish capital this afternoon, but the wind is absolutely bitter. It is the away supporters that are making most of the noise at the moment, however, with their team forcing the issue with a number of corners. Without the pace of Lass, who is suspended, Rayo do look ever so one-paced inside the early stages of this match.
Just as I say that Rayo work the ball into the penalty area as Dominguez finds Piti, but the Spaniard just cannot realise a strike with Sereno on hand to make the challenge. Another half-chance falls moments later for the home side, but Leo is penalised for barging into the back of Rukavina.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Javi Fuego strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. The Spaniard has not found the back of the net this season. It is easy to see why from that strike! Little under half of the first period remaining and the scores remain level at 0-0.
Manucho attempts the spectacular as the former Manchester United striker thumps an effort from just inside the Rayo half, but it was always moving wide of the post. The powerful striker is certainly not short of confidence. Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with not too much to get excited about.
It's good work from Casado as the Spanish defender comes forward from defence before firing a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Dominguez. Trashorras strikes an effort from the edge of the area moments later, but Hernandez was always comfortable in collecting the danger.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and while there has been a nice tempo to the match, we have not really had a clear opportunity for either side. There have been plenty of corners, but each defence has stood up to the threat thus far. The match could really do with a goal.
A mistake from Hernandez almost allows Rayo an opportunity to strike an effort on goal, but the goalkeeper's short clearance is collected by Sereno, who is enjoying an impressive season. The home side continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area, but stern defending from Valladolid quells the danger once more.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Piti whips a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Rukavina is on hand to make a fine defensive clearance. The pressure continues as Leo strikes an effort from close range, but it never had enough power to really trouble the goalkeeper.
The home side have certainly taken control of proceedings in the last few minutes, but without really threatening to open the scoring. Without Lass they do not have that out ball on the counter attack. Manucho, meanwhile, has just struggled for any sort of service down the other end. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of sloppy passing in midfield. In truth, it has not been the most enthralling of matches to this point. However, there is still a lot of football to be played. Meanwhile, the wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium remains.
Half-chance for the home side as Casado strikes a volley from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Wonderful technique from the Spanish defender. Valladolid attempt to launch a counter down the other end with Larsson, but the Swede is challenged by Tito at the vital moment, before Omar fires wide from close range.
Another half-chance comes on the counter for the away side as Sastre advances on goal, but the midfielder decides to shoot, despite Manucho and Bueno both providing support. That is a big opportunity in terms of this match. Little over three minutes of the half remaining.
Better from the away side in the final stages of this half, with Manucho, Bueno and Larsson all seeing more of the ball. However, the Rayo defence has remained stern thus far. The home side, meanwhile, have just started to labour in the last 10 minutes or so. Bueno has a half-chance for Valladolid as he strikes from close range, but Ruben makes the save.
Sastre is again involved for the away side as he strikes from distance, but once more his effort is just high of the crossbar. Meanwhile, the referee indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Real Valladolid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. It has been an entertaining half of football despite the lack of goals, with Valladolid coming close to opening the scoring in the latter stages of the half.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the first half of football. The home side have dominated the possession with 66%, while they have managed 10 attempts to Valladolid's 8. Those are quite extraordinary numbers for a match that is goalless at the interval.
What about the benches for this match? The home side have a host of attacking options with Andrija Delbasic and Franco Vasquez in their squad. Meanwhile, Valladolid have the likes of Javi Guerra and Oscar Gonzalez in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of names.
As it stands, Rayo would remain in seventh position in the table, four points behind fourth-placed Malaga. Valladolid, meanwhile, would rise one place into 12th, above Espanyol who face Atletico Madrid this evening. Right, the second period is just moments way. It is the type of match that could be won by the odd goal.
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 which is not too surprising based on the events in the first period. I am sticking with my pre-match prediction of a home victory. The away side get the half underway.
It appears that Leo could have a slight problem with his knee in the early stages of this half. I shall keep an eye on that. No respite for the home side in the early stages of the second period with Manucho striking wide following good work from Bueno, before Larsson is ruled offside moments later.
Again it is good work from Valladolid as Omar drives down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Amat is across to clear at the vital moment. Rayo just need their home support to raise the tempo inside the stadium, with Valladolid certainly starting the second half as they ended the first.
Rayo continue to labour in the early stages of the half as they give away two free kicks outside their penalty area in quick succession. The latest effort is taken by Omar, but the Spaniard's chipped effort is cleared by Galvez. You just get the feeling that there is a goal on its way.
Valladolid continue to threaten with Manucho and Omar both causing problems in the box, but eventually the danger is cleared. The home side attempt to launch a counter attack with Leo, but the Brazilian finds himself isolated with Dominguez slow to join the striker.
You just get the feeling that Valladolid now have the belief that they can actually take all three points from this match. A half-chance arrives once more as Omar strikes an effort from a wide angle, but it just moves wide of the post. They are in total control in terms of attacking areas. Rayo really need some sort of inspiration here.
Wonderful support for the away side in this match with the Valladolid fans having a real party inside this stadium. No signs of trouble which is always a bonus. Rayo attempt to force the issue with Leo, but the Brazilian is forced wide and eventually the ball is cleared for a throw.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as good work from Manucho presents a shooting chance to Rubio, but the Spaniard can only fire wide of the target. It would be fair to state that the home side look tired in this match. I think that they would accept a 0-0 draw with 30 minutes of football remaining. However, you get the feeling that the deadlock will be broken.
Half-chance for Dominguez as the Argentine collects a pass from Leo before striking towards goal, but Hernandez was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. Manucho is involved down the other end moments later, but neither team is taking too much care in possession as the second period begins to gather pace.
In fairness to both sets of supporters, they have stayed with their teams in this match, despite neither really threatening to open the scoring. It would probably be fair to admit that it is the type of match that will be won by the odd goal. However, it has every inch the look of a 0-0 as things stand.
Rayo attempt to force the issue as Jose Carlos collects possession out wide before driving a low cross into the box, but Hernandez comes out to collect at the vital moment. Meanwhile, the match has just become ever so scrappy with both teams guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in the opposing half.
There has been a distinct lack of quality in the final third from both sides in this half. But there is still plenty of football to be played in Madrid. Valladolid again force the issue with a free kick outside the box, but once more Omar's delivery is easily cleared by Tito. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Larsson becomes the latest Valladolid player to have his name taken for a foul on Piti. Meanwhile, the first change of the match is made as Vasquez replaces Jose Carlos, who has just struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. Slightly laboured tempo to the match at the moment.
Just about the clearest chance of the second period for the home side as Vasquez drives into the penalty area before striking a low effort towards goal, but Hernandez is on hand to make the save. The resulting corner also causes problems in the box, but the danger is cleared by Rubio. The match has just burst into life.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Valladolid (Sereno)
Valladolid take the lead! You cannot say that it has been coming, but they have looked the more likely. Bueno fires a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, with Sereno on hand to head past the goalkeeper. First blood to the away side.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Real Valladolid (Amat)
Wow! The home side equalise immediately as Amat scores a sensational effort from just inside the opposing half. The defender spotted Hernandez off his line, before chipping a wonderful strike into the back of the net.
Well, a bit like London buses. You wait all day for one, then two come along at once. Suddenly this match has burst into life with both sides committing numbers to each attack. You just get the feeling that there is one more goal in this match. Little over 15 minutes remaining.
Suddenly it is all Rayo as Leo collects possession before sliding a low pass towards Dominguez, but the Argentine just cannot release a strike under pressure from two defenders. The away side launch an attack of their own down the other end, but Manucho's effort was wide of the target. Stunning excitement in the Spanish capital.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Rayo win a free kick just outside the opposing penalty area. The resulting set piece is taken by Piti, but his effort is straight into the goalkeeper's arms. Another attack follows moments later, but Leo can only fire wide of the post.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Real Valladolid (Manucho)
The away side regain the lead as Bueno rounds the goalkeeper before finding Manucho, who simply cannot miss as he slides the ball into the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season. What a last 10 minutes to this match.
It is almost as if someone has just turned on a switch in this second period, with both teams no longer interested in defending. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the match as Delibasic replaces Casado. It really is a case of all or nothing in the latter stages of this match.
The pressure is all coming from the home side at the moment as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Sereno before Hernandez comes to claim the second. Manucho attacks on the counter down the other end, but he takes one touch too many, with Fuego across to make the clearance.
CROSSBAR! Piti is next to come close for the home side as he strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving wide of the post. Bueno is involved moments later as he thumps an effort from a similar range, but it smashes against the crossbar.
That proves to be Bueno's last contribution as Javier Baraja comes on for the final stages of the match. Valladolid could have been home and hosed in the last couple of moments, but you just get the feeling that there could be a late sting in the tail.
The home side make their third and final change of the match as Tamudo replaces Fuego. It really is a case of all or nothing for Rayo in the final stages of this match. Meanwhile, Valladolid make another change as Manucho is replaced by Javi Guerra.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time and we are into the second of those. Not too much to report in the final stages of this match with Valladolid slowing down the tempo with a number of free kicks. They are almost there.
FULL-TIME: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Real Valladolid
So there we have it. Valladolid move into 11th position in the table with a surprise 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, who remain seventh. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for a host of live commentaries this afternoon. Until then!
