Morning all! Our La Liga coverage opens from the Spanish capital as Getafe welcome Rayo Vallecano. Neither side enter the match in particularly good form, but Rayo’s problems far outweigh those of the home side, with another defeat to Villarreal last time out leaving them in 19th position in the table, five points from safety.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Getafe. In fact, each of the last four matches have ended in Rayo wins. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 2-1 away success, while Rayo were also 3-1 winners on their own patch in January 2013.

TEAMS:

GETAFE: Moya; Rafa, Escudero, Lopez, Valera; Borja, Lacen, Lafita, Leon; Sarabia, Marica

RAYO: Ruben; Tito, Galeano, Martinez, Galvez; Trashorras, Saul; Bueno, Viera, Lass; Castillo

So there we have it. Ciprian Marica continues in attack for Getafe with Adrian Colunga on the bench. There are also starts for Pablo Sarabia and Sergio Escudero. Rayo boss Paco Jemez, meanwhile, hands a start to Nery Casillo after the Mexican scored twice against Villarreal last week. Jonathan Viera, Alberto Bueno and Lass Bangoura also start in an attacking XI.

Getafe enter the match off the back of a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash. They also suffered a 3-0 loss last time out in the league to Sevilla, with their strong start to the season seemingly a distant memory. As it stands, they sit in 10th position in the table having collected 23 points from their 18 matches.

They have conceded 12 goals and scored just two in their last three games, although two of those fixtures were against Barcelona. Their home form has been fairly strong this season with four wins from their nine matches, losing three times in the process. They have also won three times on the road thus far.

Conceding goals has been a problem, however, with 30 in their 18 matches thus far, which is among the worst records in the league. The worst record, however, belongs to Rayo, who have conceded an incredible 45 times thus far. Down the other end, Getafe have scored 20 times to Rayo’s 18. This match could either be 0-0 or 4-4. Let’s hope for the latter.

It was always going to be a difficult season for Rayo after they lost key personnel in the summer and so it has proved. They have won just four of their 18 league games this season, drawing once and losing 13 times in the process. There is no question that they are among six of seven teams that will be fighting for their lives at the end of the campaign.

They have struggled on their own patch this season with just two wins and seven defeats, but they have won twice on the road, which is a better record than a number of teams around them. They certainly play attractive football, but are extremely open defensively, which has been their undoing thus far this season.

PREDICTION: The fact that Rayo boss Paco Jemez has selected an incredibly attacking XI suggests that he wants to outscore Getafe this afternoon rather than build from the back. I would be astounded if there were not goals and I am going to back Rayo to pick up all three points with a 3-2 win. Let's hope for an entertaining contest.

So there we have it. Both sides join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Today's referee is Clos Gomez. Right, the home side get the first 45 minutes underway in Madrid.

It is incredibly misty in Madrid this afternoon, but the match is not believed to be in danger. Not a full house inside the stadium, but there is a strong atmosphere. Should Real Betis pick up all three points this weekend, a defeat for Rayo here would see them drop to the bottom of the table.

Half-chance for the home side as Lafita collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Not too much to report in terms of Rayo pressure, however, with Getafe enjoying early possession of the ball on their own patch.

Another half-chance for the home side as Mosquera cuts inside two defenders before striking towards goal, but his effort moves wide of the post. The mist is certainly making visibility difficult at the moment. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. It has been a stop-start opening nine minutes to this Madrid derby.

Half-chance for Getafe as Leon delivers a dangerous cross into the Rayo box, but Ruben manages to clear at the vital moment. Getafe force their second corner in quick succession moments later, but the danger is cleared.

The referee awards Rayo a penalty as Borja appears to handle inside the box, but he changes his decision after speaking to his linesman. Replays have shown that it struck the Getafe defender in the face. That would have been a travesty.

Getafe continue to force the issue in the final third as another free kick from Leon is delivered towards Marica, but Ruben manages to clear under pressure from the Romanian forward. Still no real chances for either side, but the indications are that we will have goals in Madrid this afternoon.

It must be said that the Rayo supporters are creating a quite sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. They are certainly among the most loyal in the land. Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last couple of moments with a series of late challenges further interrupting the flow.

Half-chance for the away side this time as Bueno meets a cross from Lass, but the Spaniard can only turn his effort into the arms of Moya from close range. Getafe attempt to break with Lafita, but the Spaniard is closed out by Tito. Still goalless after 19 minutes of this La Liga contest.

Rayo continue to demonstrate their threat on the counter as Bueno finds Lass with a wonderful ball down the right, but the pacey winger can only deliver into the arms of Moya. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure from Getafe, however, with the home supporters letting their frustrations known. Still no clear chances for either side in the Madrid derby.

The end-to-end period of the match continues as Lafita breaks into the Rayo box, but Galvez is across to clear. Neither side is demonstrating too much quality in the final third, but the intensity remains high. It is not too difficult to see why both of these sides are struggling for form at the moment.

The stop-start period of the match continues as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. A foul on Bueno from Lafita hands Rayo a free kick outside the box, but Trashorras's delivery is headed over the crossbar by on-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul.

Just a reminder that we have all four La Liga matches covered this afternoon - be sure to join us for all the action. This match is yet to really get going, but that isn't through the want of trying. Lass delivers a dangerous cross into the Getafe box moments later, but Moya just beats Bueno to the ball.

Rayo take the lead after 29 minutes as Bueno turns a low Galvez cross into the back of the net from close range. Clinical finish from the Spanish forward.

There was a hint of offside when Galvez collected a pass from Lass, but the linesman kept his flag down. Sarabia appears to have a slight problem for Getafe as he hits the deck under a challenge from Baena, but he does return to his feet following a period of treatment. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with Getafe attempting to level the scores before the interval. Rayo are such a threat on the counter, however, with pace and movement in abundance. You just get the feeling that the away side need to score a second if they are to take something from this match. Clean sheets have been few and far between for Paco Jemez's side this season.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to level as Lopez meets a Leon free kick, but Ruben is on hand to make a stunning point-blank save. Goalkeeping of the highest order from the Spaniard.

As it stands, Rayo would remain in 19th spot in the table, but they would be just two points from safety. Getafe, meanwhile, would remain in 10th. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Rayo are enjoying possession of the ball. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Rayo to score their second in the latter stages of the half as a poor back-pass from Rafa almost plays in Viera, but Moya is across to claim at the vital moment. Lass looks for Viera moments later, but Valera clears the danger. Strong pressure from the away side.

It's smart work from Getafe on the edge of the Rayo box with Lafita, Marica and Sarabia all involved. Leon eventually has an effort, but Ruben is on hand to collect. Little over one minute of the first period remaining. Still Rayo lead 1-0.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Rayo leading courtesy of a smart finish from Bueno 15 minutes before the interval. Getafe have had their moments, but clear chances have been at a premium in Madrid.

STATISTICS: Rayo have shaded the possession with 54%, while they have had seven shots - two of which have been on target - to Getafe's three. It has been a highly-charged half in terms of challenges, but the referee has not deemed it necessary to issue a card thus far.

BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking talents on their bench in the shape of Adrian Colunga, Gavilan, Diego Castro and Juan Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Rayo have the likes of Iago Falque, Adri Embarba and Adrian in reserve. However, I would be surprised to see changes at the interval.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. Just a reminder that three points would still leave Rayo in the relegation zone, but they would be two points from safety. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will attempt to alter proceedings if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. The mist has cleared during the half-time interval, which should make for a more entertaining second half in the Spanish capital.

Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the early stages of the second half, but Rayo are in control of the possession. Scoring goals has not been too much of a problem for Rayo this season, rather their ability to keep a clean sheet. Getafe will be confident of opening up their defence as this half continues to gather pace.

CHANCE! Getafe come close to levelling the scores as Borja strikes a thumping effort from the edge of the box, but it just whistles wide of the post. That would have been a stunning goal from the Spaniard. The intensity has just started to rise as Lacen fires one over the crossbar moments later.

One-way traffic in the last couple of moments with the home side forcing the issue in the final third. Leon takes matters into his own hands with a mazy run on the edge of the box, but Galvez is across to clear at the vital moment. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this afternoon as the match continues to open up.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with the challenges flying in from both sides. Clear chances remain at a premium, but Getafe are forcing more numbers into the final third. Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.

We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Getafe continue to force the issue in the final third, but clear chances have been at a premium. Viera delivers a dangerous cross into the Getafe box moments later, but Moya is on hand to collect.

Half-chance for Getafe as Lafita meets a deep cross from Borja before advancing into the Rayo box, but Galvez is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Trashorras attempts to break for Rayo moments later, but Borja fells the midfielder. The home side's skipper Leon is booked following a discussion with the referee.

Getafe look to their bench for the first time this evening with Valera being replaced by Diego Castro, which goes down well with the home supporters. Little over 25 minutes for the Spaniard to make his mark. However, there is still no movement on the Rayo bench.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Getafe to level the scores as Ciprian meets a cross from Leon, but his header is straight into the arms of Ruben. Meanwhile, it appears that the home side are preparing to make their second change of the match.

The home side make their second change as Colunga replaces Lafita for the final 20 minutes or so. Rayo have a half-chance down the other end as Trashorras collects possession outside the box, but his effort is straight at Moya.

Half-chance for Rayo this time as Martinez delivers a sensational cross towards Bueno, but the forward cannot make proper contact at the far post. Getafe threaten down the other end moments later with Colunga, but Ruben manages to palm clear despite an initial mix-up with skipper Trashorras. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.

Rayo make a double change as Bueno and Castillo are replaced by Adrian and Adri. Two defensive changes from Paco Jemez as the second period enters its latter stages. You just get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in this match. Getafe threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Borja heads the second over the crossbar.

Getafe make their third and final change of the afternoon as Gavilan replaces Leon, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. Little over 15 minutes for Getafe to stop Rayo collecting all the points.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Adri to make it 2-0 Rayo as Lass finds the midfielder with a fine lofted pass, but he can only float his effort wide of the post. Rayo remain dangerous on the counter despite taking off two of their attacking players.

Another half-chance for the away side as Tito meets a loose ball inside the box, but his effort is straight at Moya. Getafe break down the other end with Marica, but the Romanian cannot escape the clutches of two defenders. End-to-end football as Lass tests Moya at his near post down the other end.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Rayo to score their second as Adrian leads a two-on-one counter, but his low effort is saved by Moya. Viera was free and a simple pass would have left the on-loan Valencia attacker with a tap-in.

Rayo make their third and final change of the match as Ramiro replaces Lass, who leaves the field with a suspected injury. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with the challenges fly in from both sides. Little over five minutes of the second period remaining.

You can just sense the frustration inside the stadium as another Getafe break comes to an end outside the Rayo box. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, but Rayo will not mind with their lead in tact. Just a reminder that Getafe have never beaten Rayo in La Liga and it appears that record will continue this afternoon.

Possession football from Rayo as they continue to keep hold of the ball in the Getafe half. In truth, the home side have not done anywhere near enough to deserve to be level at this stage of proceedings. However, there is still time as they force numbers forward down the right. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in Madrid.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Getafe to level as a dangerous corner evades Ruben in the Rayo goal, but Galvez manages to clear off the line following a period of pin-ball. It just is not happening for the home side.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes and we are indeed into the third of those. A half-chance arrives for the home side as Borja strikes a powerful volley from inside the box, but Ruben is on hand to make the save.

CHANCE! Another opportunity for Getafe from a corner as Marica hammers an effort from inside the box, but somehow Nacho Martinez manages to clear off the line. Quite incredible end to this match as Getafe force corner after corner.

So there we have it. Bueno's first-half goal is enough to hand Rayo all three points against Getafe. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us later for more La Liga football. Until then!