Valencia travelled to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday knowing that victory would move them above Real Sociedad into fourth position in the league table.
The away side entered the interval with a two-goal lead, courtesy of a double from their top scorer Roberto Soldado.
Rayo started the second half full of intent, but it was Valencia that scored their third after 62 minutes when Andres Guardado tapped home from close range, before Nelson Valdez made it four in stoppage time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Thanks for joining me for the first of our four La Liga live commentaries throughout the day. Rayo’s chances of a European finish have just faded in recent weeks, but they are still within a chance of making the top eight. Valencia, meanwhile, have a place in the top four firmly in their sights.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valencia have just shaded the last three matches with two wins to Rayo’s one. However, as mentioned, that victory for Rayo came in the reverse match last December. It would be fair to say that much has changed at both clubs since then.
As it stands, Rayo currently sit 10th in the table. They have taken just five points from their last six matches, however, a run of form that has dropped them off the pace for a European position. That said, three points this morning would move them into eighth, which is credit to their form in the early stages of the league season.
They have been fairly strong on their own patch this season with nine wins from 17 matches, losing just six times in the process. Their form on the road has also been far from disastrous with 17 points from 17 matches, which is the same number as Valencia, although they have lost 10 times in the process.
TEAMS:
RAYO: Ruben; Casado, Arbilla, Figueras, Amat; Fuego, Trashorras, Piti, Carlos; Dominguez, Delibasic
VALENCIA: Guaita; Pereira, R Costa, Mathieu, Guardado; Albelda, Banega, Parejo; Feghouli, Soldado, Piatti
So there we have it. No Lass Bangoura or Leo Baptistao in the Rayo team this morning, although Jose Carlos and Delibasic do both start. Arbilla also starts in the middle of the defence. Valencia, meanwhile, are without Jonas, but Pablo Piatti, Dani Parejo and Andres Guardado all start. Plenty of attacking talent on display in the Spanish capital.
Valencia are realistically in a head-to-head battle with Real Sociedad for the final Champions League position. With Sociedad not playing until Monday evening, three points for Valencia would move them level on points with their European rivals. Anything less than that would see their challenge diminish in the latter part of the season.
Valencia have been strong on their own patch this season with 12 wins from their 18 matches, losing just three times in the process. In fact, only the top three in the table have won more games at home than Valencia this season. However, as mentioned, the club have taken just 17 points from 17 games on the road.
It is not too difficult to see where Rayo have struggled this season with 57 goals conceded, among the highest in the league. They have scored 43 goals, but that is 15 less than their opponents this morning. Valencia have fared better down the other end, however, with 50 goals conceded in their 34 matches.
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. I strongly fancied Valencia to secure all three points, but the loss of Jonas is a big blow. That said, I still think they have enough to secure the narrowest of wins.
Just a reminder of the main team news this morning. No Leo or Bangoura for the home side, with Jose Carlos and Delibasic both handed rare starts. As mentioned, Valencia are without Jonas, allowing Pablo Piatti to come into the team alongside top scorer Roberto Soldado. Right, the away side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, but we are not far short. The occasion does not matter to the home supporters, the noise level remains the same. They really are in good spirits for this match. Valencia have not enjoyed their early matches on a Sunday this season, however, failing to pick up three points in any of their fixtures at this time. Can that change this afternoon? Bright opening couple of minutes from the away side.
It's good work from Piatti as the Valencia winger moves past two defenders before delivering a low cross into the box, but Arbilla is across to make the clearance. Slight problem for Piti in the early stages, meanwhile, with the Rayo skipper hitting the deck holding his thigh. Real party atmosphere in the opening four minutes, but neither side has settled into the match thus far.
You just get the feeling that the first goal could be all-important in this type of match. Rayo are certainly in the hunt for a Europa League position, but Valencia realistically need to win to stand a chance of finishing in the top four. Decent pressure from the home side in the last couple of minutes, but Valencia are squeezing well in midfield.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the opposing half. It is the type of match that could be decided by the odd goal. Feghouli attempts to force the issue with a low cross into the Rayo box, but it just would not fall for Soldado, who had moved to the far post.
Sloppy period of the match in the last few minutes with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges, but he has not deemed it necessary to produce a card thus far. Piti tries his luck from distance as he collects a loose pass from Costa, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
It is almost like a pre-season friendly at the moment with neither side attempting to force the issue with too much intent. The home supporters are certainly having a good time, however, as they continue to create a deafening noise. It is the type of match that is in desperate need of a goal. Still no chances for either side with 12 minutes on the clock.
Fuego attempts the spectacular as he collects possession in his own half before striking an effort towards goal, but it just moved high of the crossbar. That would have been the goal of the season if it had found the back of the net. Valencia build down the other end with Soldado, but his slipped pass towards Piatti is collected by Ruben.
CHANCE! Stunning opportunity for the away side as Piatti beats the offside trap before advancing on goal, but Ruben just manages to get a leg to his effort. Wonderful save from the Rayo goalkeeper, but Piatti just had to score. That is the closet either side has come to opening the scoring by dome distance.
It's good work from Pereira as the Valencia right-back combines with Piatti before driving a low cross into the box, but Casado is across to clear the danger. Just a few signs that the away side are starting to take control of the match as they pass and probe outside the Rayo box. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock, which is not really enough for Valencia to maintain their challenge for the top four.
Good pressure from Rayo in the last couple of moments with the home side forcing two corners in quick succession. However, the first is cleared behind his own crossbar by Mathieu before Guaita comes through traffic to claim the second. Soldado is the target for a Banega pass down the other end, but the Spanish striker was always second favourite in the race with Jordi Amat.
Handbags between Ricardo Costa and Delibasic as the opposing duo clash in a high challenge, but the referee is quickly on the scene to calm proceedings. You have to credit the home supporters for their noise this afternoon. They have not stopped since the very first moment. Unfortunately the action on the pitch has been slightly laboured thus far. A free kick comes into the Rayo box by Banega, but Casado manages to bundle it away.
We have just seen a replay from the free kick incident, where Valencia felt they should have been awarded a penalty. Indications are that Feghouli was hauled down in the box, but the referee was not interested. A half-chance comes to Trashorras down the other end, but his effort is straight into the arms of Guaita.
Opportunity for the home side to deliver a set piece into the box as Casado is felled by Mathieu. The free kick is taken by Trashorras, but it fails to beat the first man. The quality from dead-ball situations has been lacking in the opening 27 minutes of this match. Still goalless in the Spanish capital.
It's good work from Banega as the Valencia midfielder moves past two defenders before sliding a pass towards Soldado, but once more it was always running away from the Spaniard. Meanwhile, slight problem for Casado here, as the Rayo defender hits the deck holding his knee. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
PENALTY TO VALENCIA!
Valencia are awarded a penalty as Parejo is blocked off in the penalty area by Trashorras. Soldado did roll the ball into the back of the net from close range, but the whistle had already been blown. Soldado will take the spot kick.
GOAL! Rayo 0-1 Valencia (Soldado)
Soldado does indeed roll his effort into the back of the net to send Valencia into the lead. Glorious chance for Soldado to add his second moments later, but he can only fire wide of the target. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Valencia have just taken charge of this match with Soldado and Parejo both having efforts from close range. The latter is again presented with a chance moments later as he meets a loose ball in the box, but he can only fire over the crossbar, before Feghouli clips wide from close range. Simply all one-way traffic in the Spanish capital.
Good response from the home side in the last couple of moments as they force the issue in the Valencia half, but they have been unable to really threaten to level proceedings. Among all the action, Rayo were indeed forced into the first change of the match with the injured Casado replaces by Nacho Martinez, who will slot into left-back.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia to score their second as Parejo slides a low pass to Soldado, but the striker just cannot make contract in front of an open goal. Rayo really are struggling at the moment. Valencia should be out of sight here.
GOAL! Rayo 0-2 Valencia (Soldado)
Valencia do indeed have their second of the match as Piatti squares to Soldado, who makes no mistake this time around. You cannot say that it hasn't been coming. Rayo are really struggling at the moment. Another goal for Valencia before the interval and that is curtains as far as I am concerned.
No let-up of pressure as Valencia continue to commit numbers to each attack, they want to put this match out of sight. Rayo attempt to force the issue down the other end with Jose Carlos, but the Spaniard can only turn wide from close range. End-to-end football in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Oh my word he just had to score! Wonderful chance for Valencia to score their third as they embark on a three-on-one situation, but Parejo's pass towards Soldado is just too short. Rayo really need to sort their defence out or this could be a cricket score. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for the home side as they clear their lines each time Valencia get anywhere near their penalty area. I would be astounded if Jemez did not make changes at the interval. It was a surprise that Bangoura did not start in this type of match. Valencia are rampant here as they continue to slice the Rayo defence to shreds.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Rayo able to quell the pressure, for now. Big team talk coming up for Jemez, who needs to install some sort of belief into his side. There is no question that the supporters are still with them, however, as the noise levels remain. They really are a loyal bunch.
Couple of free kicks for both sides in the latter stages of the half, but neither has come close to adding to the score. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
Rayo have the ball in the back of the net in the final moment of the half, but Delibasic is ruled to have handled into goal, picking up a card for his troubles. Good grief what a half of football.
HALF-TIME: Rayo 0-2 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valencia leading 2-0. In truth, not a great deal happened in the first 28 minutes of the match, but a double for Soldado has seen the away side lead at the interval. However, it could and should have been all over by this stage.
STATISTICS: Both sides have enjoyed 50% of the possession in the first half, but Valencia have had seven attempts to Rayo's four. There was nothing between the two sides in the early stages, but Rayo fell apart in the latter stages of the half. It is a long way back for them from this position.
BENCH WATCH: Rayo have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Bangoura, Adrian and Raul Tamudo. Meanwhile, Valencia have the likes of Jonathan Viera, Nelson Valdez and Juan Bernat in reserve. The home side have already been forced into one change with Casado being replaced by Nacho Martinez.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Valencia would move into fourth position in the table, while Rayo would remain in 10th, but still within a chance of the top eight. Right, the home side get the half underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, but I suspect Jemez will look to his bench around the hour mark if the score remains the same. You just get the feeling that the next goal could decide the outcome of the match. If Valencia score, then it is curtains, but a Rayo goal and this crowd could carry them over the line. Bright opening to the half from Valencia, but Albelda's cross towards Soldado is collected by Ruben in the Rayo goal.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to cut the deficit as Figueras meets a cross from Piti, but he can only fire his header wide of the post. That is the closest they have come by some distance. Plenty of intent from Rayo in the early stages of the half, but they really need that goal.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but there is much more intent about the home side in the opening seven minutes of the second period. Delibasic attempts to force the issue with a low pass towards Piti, but Mathieu is across to clear. Much more of an even contest, which was not the case in the first half.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Piatti drives through the heart of the Rayo midfield before striking an effort from close range, but it was always moving wide of the post. The end-to-end period continues as Delibasic finds Piti outside the box, but his strike is wide of the post. It remains 2-0 Valencia with 54 minutes on the clock.
Rayo make their second change of the afternoon as Arbilla is replaced by Alberto Perea. Two of Rayo's back four have been changed from the team that started the match, that cannot help their chances. Delibasic continues to be involved as he wins a header in the Valencia box, but Guaita comes through a host of traffic to claim. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for away side to put this game to bed as Banega collects a pass from Soldado in the box, but Amat is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Just a reminder that three points for Valencia would indeed move them into fourth position, while Rayo would remain in 10th with three matches remaining.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Jose Carlos meets a cross from Piti, but he can only guide his header wide of the post. The chances have just started to dry up for Rayo in the last five minutes or so. First change of the match for Valencia, meanwhile, as Cissokho replaces Piatti.
Penalty shout for the home side as Dominguez is seemingly hauled to the ground by Albelda, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given. Nacho Martinez becomes the third Rayo player to enter the book moments later for a late challenge on Soldado. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
GOAL! Rayo 0-3 Valencia (Guardado)
Valencia score their third of the afternoon as Guardado drives into the box before striking at Ruben, the Rayo stopper makes the save, but the Mexican taps home at the second time of asking. Again it is really poor defending from the home side.
That is game, set and match. Valencia have been the best side by some distance this afternoon. It could yet get worse as the away side commit numbers to each attack. Final change of the match for the home side, meanwhile, with Bangoura introduced in place of Jose Carlos. Can the forward turn this one around?
Rayo are heading for their seventh league defeat of the season, they do not draw many, but they have won enough games to remain in the top half of the table. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Valencia comfortable in possession of the ball. Little over 20 minutes remaining in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for the home side as Piti strikes an effort from outside the box, but Guaita is down low to make the save. Still the home supporters create a wonderful noise inside the stadium, which is wonderful to see. Unfortunately their team has been unable to respond with a performance thus far.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as they force a number of crosses into the Valencia box, but the away side have been equal to the danger. Piti again tries his luck from distance moments later, but Guaita is on hand to make the save. Valencia will be keen to keep a rare clean sheet this afternoon.
Slightly sloppy period of the match in the last few moments with both sets of players diving into dangerous challenges. In fairness, it has not been that type of match, but frustration from the home side is understandable. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining. Valencia are heading for a place in the top four.
Valencia gain another free kick in a dangerous position as Amat fells Soldado. The set piece is delivered by Banega, but it is straight into the Rayo wall. Just a reminder that Rayo have made all three of their permitted changes, but Valencia have two remaining if Ernesto Valverde wishes to alter proceedings.
Half-chance for Nacho this time as the Rayo defender strikes an effort from outside the box, but Guaita was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. In fairness to the home side, they have not crumbled since conceding the third, but Valencia have never been in any real danger. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining, with the away side three goals to the good.
Lass threatens for the home side as he drives past two defenders before attempting to curl an effort towards the far corner, but Mathieu is across to make the challenge. The Frenchman has once more been impressive this afternoon. Reports in Spain have suggested that Real Madrid are looking to acquire the versatile defender at the end of the season.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with neither side offering much in the final third. Valencia have been solid without being spectacular this afternoon, but the three points are all that matter. Rayo's defending at times has been extremely poor.
Valencia make their second change of the match as Victor Ruiz is introduced in place of Albelda, who has again been very impressive this afternoon. Slight non-event in the latter stages of the match with both sides already switching their focus to the next match. Despite this defeat Rayo are still within a chance of finishing in the top eight.
CROSSBAR! Wonderful chance for Valencia to make it four as Cissokho finds Feghouli in the box, but his effort smashes against the crossbar by close range. Third and final change for Valencia moments later as Soldado is replaced by Nelson Valdez.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides going through the motions. From the very first moment the home supporters made their voices known, which is also the case at this stage of the match. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.
Half-chance for Guardado to score his second of the match in the final moments, but his effort from close range is saved by Ruben. The resulting corner also causes concern in the Rayo box, but Costa can only head wide of the target. That should be just about that.
GOAL! Rayo 0-4 Valencia (Valdez)
Valdez adds gloss to the score in the latter stages as he bursts into the box before thumping an effort into the top corner. That caps off a fine display from the away side.
FULL-TIME: Rayo 0-4 Valencia
So there we have it. Valencia score four times without reply to move into fourth position. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football this afternoon. Until then!
