Sunday's penultimate La Liga clash pitted Rayo Vallecano against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital.
David Villa sent Atletico into the lead after eight minutes, but Jonathan Viera missed the chance to level from the penalty spot just three minutes later.
Arda Turan turned home from close range after 30 minutes to put Atletico 2-0 ahead, but Viera made up for his penalty miss with a strike in the latter stages of the first period.
The scoring were not finished in the first half, however, as Turan notched his second after 44 minutes to leave the visitors 3-1 ahead at the interval.
Diego Costa made it 4-1 for Atletico after 74 minutes, but Joaquin Larrivey registered moments later for the home side as the match finished 4-2.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Spanish capital as Rayo Vallecano welcome Atletico Madrid. The home side were beaten 2-0 at Elche in the league last time out, with that result leaving them in 19th position in the table. As it stands, they are three points from safety with 18 matches remaining.
Atletico, meanwhile, have dropped to third following Real Madrid’s win on Saturday. They have drawn their last two in the league, but would move top of the table with three points this evening. Diego Simeone’s side have lost once on their travels in the league this season, while they have conceded just five times in their nine away games.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won four of the last five matches, with Rayo also winning once during that run of games. The last time the two sides met in this stadium was in February 2013, when Rayo claimed all three points with a 2-1 win, but Atletico were 5-0 winners in the reverse match earlier this season.
TEAMS:
RAYO: Ruben; Tito, Baena, Arbilla, Nacho; Saul, Trashorras; Bueno, Lass, Viera; Larrivey
ATLETICO: Courtois; Manquillo, Miranda, Godin, Filipe; Sosa, Koke, Gabi, Turan; Costa, Villa
So there we have it. Attacking Rayo XI on display this evening with Lass Bangoura, Jonathan Viera, Alberto Bueno and Larrivey all selected, but Iago Falque is on the bench. Atletico, meanwhile, are much-changed with Javi Manquillo, Tiago and recent signing Jose Sosa all selected. Diego Costa and David Villa continue in attack. Right, the home side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, which is not much of a surprise. Bright start from the home side as Godin is immediately forced to deny Larrivey inside the box. The pressure continues with Lass down the right, but Miranda heads clear before Atletico take control of the possession.
Diego Costa has not yet scored in 2014 for Atletico and will be keen to end that run this evening. It is an unusually much-changed Atletico side, but there is still a lot of quality in their XI. Their first corner is delivered by Turan from the left, but Ruben is on hand to collect, before Rayo break down the other end and gain a free kick from Koke.
Half-chance for Costa as the striker is found by Sosa, but the Brazilian-born forward had moved into an offside position. Neither side is too interested in building through midfield at the moment with long balls into each box. As expected, high-intensity opening six minutes.
The referee has been on hand to deal with a number of late challenges in the last few moments with Atletico gaining the latest free kick outside the box. Gabi delivers towards Sosa, but there is too much pace and Rayo have a goal kick. Not too much in terms of chances in the opening eight minutes, but the signs are good.
GOAL! Rayo 0-1 Atletico (Villa)
Atletico take the lead inside eight minutes as Costa slides in Villa, who finds the corner from close range. Terrible defending from Baena, who had his pocket picked by Costa inside the area.
That is the 48th goal that Rayo have conceded this season. You have to admire their passing style, but it could be their undoing once more this evening. Atletico are now full of confidence as they pop the ball around in midfield. Another goal for the away side would make this incredibly difficult for the hosts.
PENALTY RAYO!
Rayo are awarded a penalty as Manquillo fells Bueno inside the box. It is a terrible decision with the striker catching his own foot. Lifeline for the home side.
SAVE! Jonathan Viera fails to level as Courtois is across to make a fine save from the spot kick. What an opening 12 minutes to this La Liga contest in Madrid.
I had a feeling that this would be a classic and it has proved to be in the opening 14 minutes. Atletico attempt to score their second as Sosa drives a low cross towards Costa, but Tito is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Incredible intensity to this derby in the Spanish capital.
Dominant football from Atletico in the last couple of moments as they continue to control the possession in the final third. However, the latest attack comes to an end when Luis fells Baena. Rayo are down the other end with Bueno moments later, but his through pass is collected by Courtois, who immediately releases Gabi.
As it stands, Atletico would move top of the table ahead of Barcelona's home clash with Malaga later this evening. The away side are good value for their lead at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Rayo remain a threat on the counter with their pace and movement.
SAVES! Two wonderful saves in quick succession from Ruben. Firstly, the Spaniard denies Costa from close range, before he tips a Sosa effort onto the crossbar moments later. Atletico appear close to their second.
Costa thinks he has a clear sight of goal as the Atletico forward breaks into the Rayo box, but the offside flag is raised. Rayo attempt to play their football down the other end with Viera and Lass, but Godin clears once more. No sign of Rayo attempting to soak up the pressure here as they continue to force the issue. It could be their undoing in truth.
The away side continue to force the issue with a series of crosses into the Rayo box, but the danger is cleared on each occasion. The home side break down the other end with Larrivey moments later, but there are no takers on his low cross into the box. The next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this evening.
Half-chance for the home side as Arbilla finds some space down the right before striking towards goal, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The home supporters continue to make their voices known as the first period gathers pace. Little under 20 minutes until the interval. Atletico still lead courtesy of that early strike from Villa.
Opportunity for the away side to threaten from a free kick as Lass fells Luis. The resulting set piece is delivered by Gabi towards the far post, but Sosa cannot make contact at the vital moment. Not too much in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but both continue to commit numbers in the final third.
Possession football from Rayo in the last few moments with the likes of Saul - who is on loan from Atletico - and Trashorras seeing plenty of the ball, but they are finding it difficult to force the issue in the final third.
GOAL! Rayo 0-2 Atletico (Turan)
Atletico have their second of the match as Costa finds Sosa inside the box. The winger takes one touch before sliding it to Turan, who taps home from close range. Poor defending from Rayo once more.
Is that game over? It could well be, even at this stage of proceedings. You just cannot make excuses for the type of defending on display from the home side. Costa has a half-chance moments later following smart work from Villa, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Costa appears to be in pain at the moment as he hits the deck holding his thigh. It does not appear that the Atletico forward will be able to continue. It is not worth risking the Brazilian-born forward from Atletico's point of view. There will be tougher tests ahead that is for certain.
Following a slight period of treatment, Costa does indeed return to the field, which is not good news for the home side. Rayo break down the other end moments later with Bueno, but his cross is headed clear by Miranda. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Frustrating couple of minutes for the away side as Costa is caught offside twice in quick succession. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about, meanwhile, with Rayo struggling to put together meaningful passes in the final third. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Rayo 1-2 Atletico (Viera)
Lifeline for Rayo as Viera converts from close range following brilliant work from Larrivey and Trashorras. Well, that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Replays have shown that there was a deflection from Miranda on Viera's strike, which took it past Courtois from close range. Atletico break down the other end with Turan moments later - his cross finds Villa, but the Spaniard can only fire his effort wide of the post.
Rayo continue to pile white shirts forward in the latter stages of the half, but a really poor pass from Bueno cuts the latest attack short. It is very stretched at the moment with both sides committing numbers in the final third. Larrivey has a half-chance from close range, but his effort is straight at Courtois.
GOAL! Rayo 1-3 Atletico (Turan)
Some response from Atletico. The away side regain their two-goal lead in the final stages of the half as Turan heads home from close range following a deep free kick from Gabi.
HALF TIME: Rayo 1-3 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 3-1. The away side were ahead inside eight minutes through Villa, before Viera missed from the penalty spot for Rayo. Turan scored twice late in the half either side of an effort from Viera to leave Diego Simeone's side with a comfortable lead at the interval.
STATISTICS: The home side have had more of the possession with 57%, but they have had just five attempts to Atletico's nine. There has been just the one yellow card for the home side, meanwhile, in a end-to-end first half in Madrid. As it stands, Atletico will move top of the table.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options in reserve this evening in the shape of Casillo, Galeano, Falque and new loan signing from Blackburn Rovers Ruben Rochina. Atletico, meanwhile, have the likes of Raul Garcia, Rodriguez and Oliver Torres among their subs.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Barcelona against Malaga - be sure to remain with us for that one. Right, the away side get the second half underway. Let's hope for more of the same.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Costa is indeed on show for Atletico despite picking up an injury in the final 10 minutes of the half. Bright start from Atletico as they drive into the Rayo box, but the offside flag saves the home side with Luis in a strong position. It could be a long half for Rayo.
Half-chance for Atletico to score a fourth as Sosa drives into the box before finding Costa, but Nacho is on hand to make a fine block at the vital moment. The away side threaten from the resulting corner, but Ruben manages to palm clear. Rayo just cannot get out of their own half at the moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Rayo have started to enjoy more of the ball. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced to deal with a number of untidy challenges. The next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the outcome of this La Liga contest.
Half-chance for the away side as Turan finds some space outside the box before striking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. The Turkish international is on a hat-trick at the moment. Little over 35 minutes of this clash remaining and still Atletico lead 3-1. It will be enough to take them top of the table.
Half-chance for Atletico once more as Villa turns a low cross into the box towards Costa, but it just runs away from the striker at the vital moment. Not too much in terms of pressure from Rayo at the moment, but it does appear that they are preparing to make a change with on-loan Blackburn Rovers forward Rochina on the touchline.
Indeed the change is made as Rochina enters the field in place of Lass, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Rayo have little more than 30 minutes to turn this match around. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in the Spanish capital.
Nervy moment for Rayo goalkeeper Ruben as he comes to challenge Gabi outside the area, but his clearance is short. Luckily for the home side, it has just enough pace to take it out for a throw. Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last few moments with Atletico comfortable in possession of the ball.
Atletico make their first change of the match as Sosa is replaced by the talented youngster Oliver Torres, who has around 25 minutes to make his mark this evening. Plenty of football from both teams in the middle of the park, but chances have been at a premium since the interval. However, the home supporters remain in strong voice.
Saul becomes the latest player to enter the book following a late challenge on Costa. Moments later, there appears to be a problem for Torres, who is receiving treatment on the sidelines. The early indications are that the youngster might have dislocated his shoulder. That is really bad news for Atletico.
Torres, who only recently entered the field, has been replaced by Rodriguez. It had been suggested that Torres would leave the club on loan this month, but that could now be scuppered. Little over 20 minutes of this La Liga clash remaining in the Spanish capital.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but Miranda and Godin take it in turns to clear the danger. A half-chance arrives for Larrivey moments later, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. This one is far from over in Madrid.
Not too much in terms of attacking pressure from Atletico in the last couple of moments with Diego Simeone's side prepared to keep hold of the ball. Costa does have a half-chance moments later, but the forward is challenged by Tito at the vital moment. Still no goal in 2014 for Atletico's leading scorer Costa.
Half-chance for the away side as Rodriguez finds some space outside the box before striking one towards goal, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. In truth, the second half has been a slight non-event with Rayo comfortable in dealing with the threat from the visitors, who are heading top of the table.
GOAL! Rayo 1-4 Atletico (Costa)
Costa finally has his goal in 2014 as the forward turns home following a low cross from Luis. That is the points secure for Atletico, who are moving top of the table.
GOAL! Rayo 2-4 Atletico (Larrivey)
Rayo respond immediately as Larrivey converts a cross from Viera from close range. Paco Jemez makes a positive change moments later as Castillo enters proceedings in place of Baena.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico to score their fifth as Luis advances into the box before attempting to lift his effort over Ruben, but he strikes the side netting from close range. This match has just exploded into life once more.
Atletico make their third and final change in the latter stages as Villa - who opened the scoring - is replaced by Raul Garcia, who will just sure up the midfield. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals.
Half-chance for the home side as Larrivey strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is straight at Courtois from close range. You have to admire Rayo for their willingness to keep pushing. They could have been on the end of a real hammering, but have demonstrated their unquestionable character.
Rayo make their third and final change as Falque enters the field in place of Viera, who has impressed for the home side. Another half-chance for Rayo as Bueno strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Turan drives into the Rayo box, but Tito is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The home side are down the other end with Arbilla moments later, but Luis blocks his low cross. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Rochina hooks an effort towards goal after falling inside the box, but Courtois makes the save. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. The home side have been in control of the last five minutes with a series of attempts.
FULL TIME: Rayo 2-4 Atletico
So there we have it. Atletico move top of the table with a 4-2 win over Rayo. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Barcelona against Malaga. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
