Evening all! What a weekend of action it has been in La Liga. Lionel Messi finally broke Gerd Muller’s goal record with a double against Real Betis. Meanwhile, Radamel Falcao scored five in Atletico Madrid’s thumping of Deportivo La Coruna. But now our focus switches to the final match of week 15 in Spain’s premium league.

Teams:

Rayo Vallecano: Cobeno; Tito, Galvez, Amat, Martinez; Trashorras, Fuego, Vasquez; Lass, Leo, Dominguez

Real Zaragoza: Roberto; Alvaro, Sapunaru, Minero; Movilla, Apono, Montanes, Zuculini, Pinter; Postiga, Victor Rodriguez

The home side currently sit in 12th spot in the table but could move as high as eighth with the three points this evening and they have won two of their last four matches in the league. In their way is a Zaragoza outfit that has managed just one win in their last five in all competitions.

Rayo began their league campaign with back-to-back wins over Granada and Real Betis before securing a point at home to Sevilla. However, a run of just one victory in their next seven in all competitions threatened to harm their impressive start to the season.

Successive wins followed against Malaga and Celta Vigo before they were thumped 4-0 by Real Sociedad. They then recorded a 2-0 win over Real Mallorca, but were beaten by lowly Osasuna last time out. They are the type of side that you're not really sure what you are going to get. They could easily win 3-0 away and then lose 3-0 at home one week later.

Zaragoza, meanwhile, began their season with a defeat against Real Valladolid, but they recovered to beat Espanyol one week later. A run of just one win in their next five in the league then followed, but four wins in five moved them into the top half of the table.

However, they have struggled in the past few weeks with defeats against Barcelona, Celta Vigo and a draw against lowly Real Mallorca last time out. They do have a run of winnable fixtures before the winter break, however, and will be keen to move away from the bottom half of the table.

Speaking before the match, Zaragoza coach Manolo Jimenez told the club’s official website: "We will go game by game and try to have players that are 100% fit at all times. For now I am only thinking about the game against Rayo. We have to try to win in Vallecas. We cannot play for a draw. They are a good team who use the ball well and will make things very difficult. We have to try to keep a clean sheet, which would give us a much better chance of winning."

Tonight will also pit two of the in-form strikers in the league against each other. The much-coveted Leo Baptistao has six league goals to his name this season in addition to four assists. Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur striker Helder Postiga has scored seven La Liga goals in an impressive start to the season.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. Right we are just a few minutes away from kickoff. It is time for my prediction. I cannot see Zaragoza claiming the three points on the road, but Rayo have been unpredictable lately and therefore I am backing a 1-1 draw. I somewhat challenged Radamel Falcao to impress me on in my live commentary on Saturday and he scored five goals. Now I've praised Leo and Postiga they will probably both fail to touch the ball!

Handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. Passionate home crowd? Check. Let's get the action underway on this mild evening in the Spanish capital. Be sure to stay with us for what has all the ingredients of an open game of football.

Here we go then. The home side get the action underway. You just get the feeling that the first goal this evening - if there indeed is one - could have a huge say on the overall result. The pitch is not the best this evening, but the home supporters are out in good numbers.

It's a decent start from the away side as Montanes finds Postiga in the penalty area, but the striker handles the ball as he controls and the referee blows his whistle. Rayo advance immediately down the other end with Lass, but the striker is just crowded out by Alvaro at the vital moment and it goes out for a goal kick.

The home side have just taken control of the possession in the last few moments with Franco Vasquez and Javi Fuego enjoying touches of the ball. But neither side has really managed to create a clear attacking chance thus far. It is evident that Rayo will attempt to spread the play wide in the early stages of the match.

Again it's smart work from Leo as he striker holds off the challenge of Minero before attempting to find the run of Alejandro Dominguez, but the pass is just too short for the Argentine. The pressure continues as Leo whips another dangerous ball into the box, but it is cleared for a corner.

The set piece from Fuego is a good one and the ball eventually falls to Dominguez just outside the penalty area, but his effort was over the target. Zaragoza advance immediately down the other end and gain a free kick from Nacho, but Montanes' set piece is wide of the target.

Not a great deal happening in terms of attacking chances at the moment. The home side continue to look the most likely, but a host of fouls have just broken the tempo of the match. A free kick from Rayo threatens to cause damage as Fuego launches it into the penalty area, but Minero heads the danger clear. Little under 11 minutes of football played and the score remains 0-0.

Rayo continue to control the flow of the possession with Lass and Dominguez seeing plenty of the ball in wide positions, but their final pass has failed to reach its destination in the early stages. It is apparent that Leo has been identified as the threat and it is certainly leaving huge areas out wide.

Zaragoza are really struggling to put any real period of football together with Postiga really struggling to get into the match. Now I have said that he will probably score within the next couple of moments so Rayo fans I apologise!

CHANCE! Best chance of the match falls to the away side as Montanes pounces onto a loose ball inside the penalty area, but his goal-bound effort is cleared off the line by Jordi Amat. That is defending of the highest order. He has saved his team a certain goal.

The match has just become ever so scrappy in the past few moments with both sides giving away a host of free kicks in the opposing half. Meanwhile, it's a little bit of handbags as Dominguez challenges Roberto, but the referee calms the situation and play continues. It has certainly spiced things up here.

First real involvement of the match for Postiga as the forward collects a pass from Pinter before turning and firing an effort at goal, but Cobeno gathers the danger at the second time of asking with Victor in and around the box. The match is so delicately poised with 20 minutes on the clock.

It is worth noting that Zaragoza have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their 14 La Liga matches this season. Will that change this evening? They have looked open at the back in the early stages, but then so have the home side.

Rayo attempt to get straight back into the match as Lass finds Dominguez in the penalty area, but the Argentine cannot return the favour and the danger is cleared. The nervousness inside the stadium can be felt and it is certainly affecting the Rayo players at the moment.

The home supporters continue to raise their voices as each decision is given against their side. It does appear that Zaragoza are getting the breaks at the moment. Rayo are perhaps dominating possession, but the more incisive football is certainly coming from Zaragoza.

Rayo appeal for a handball as Lass whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Minero is indeed penalised for a flailing arm. However, luckily for Zaragoza the offence was just outside the penalty area. A half-chance comes to Leo as he meets a Lass cross, but he heads over.

The home side are certainly forcing the issue as we approach the 30-minute mark in the match with Leo and Dominguez having an influence in the final third. However, Zaragoza continue to threaten on the counter with Montanes testing Cobeno from long range.

CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match for the home side as Leo finds the run of Dominguez in the penalty area, but his powerful effort is blocked by Roberto at the final moment. The rebound almost falls to the Argentine, but the danger is scrambled clear. Good response from Rayo.

Really is end-to-end football at the moment with both sides threatening to score the next goal. You just get the feeling that the next strike could have a huge say on the final result. Remember, the away side have not kept a clean sheet in any of their league matches this season. If they can end that run then they will pick up the three points.

The pressure continues from the home side as Galvez meets a corner from Lass, but his header is just wide of the target. It has been that kind of half for Rayo thus far. Everything has been 'nearly'. But you have to think that their pressure will pay off at some point this evening.

Both sides are playing such high lines this evening, but neither has been able to find that elusive pass in behind thus far. Zaragoza do have pace with Montanes, while Lass is the main threat for Rayo. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining and the away side still lead.

The home side's frustrations continue as they give away a host of free kicks in the Zaragoza half as they desperately attempt to win back possession. Zaragoza have played the perfect half of away football thus far. But we all know how quickly that can change. This is football after all.

Another half-chance comes to Rayo as Galvez meets a corner from Lass, but once more he can only fire wide of the target from just inside the box. Rayo have enjoyed 55% of the possession as we stand, but Zaragoza continue to play the better football where it matters.

Zaragoza come close to their second as Zuculini dances into the Rayo box, but he is just crowded out at the vital moment. The midfielder has had a stunning opening period of football. Where has this opening period gone? It has flown by.

Not a great way to end the half for Lass as the Rayo winger collects possession out wide, but his cross is terrible and goes behind for a goal kick. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.

An enthralling opening 45 minutes of action is brought to a close with Zaragoza leading 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Zuculini after 21 minutes. Rayo have dominated the possession, but have failed to create any real attacking chances of note.

Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Rayo have dominated the possession with 64%, but they have managed just four attempts to Zaragoza's six. The home side have also failed to hit the target in the opening 45 minutes.

As it stands Zaragoza would move above Rayo into 12th spot in the table. Just two points outside of the top half. Three points is vital at this stage of the season with the winter break approaching. A few victories can move you into contention for Europe, but a few defeats can leave you looking over your shoulder.

Looking ahead to the second period. It would not be a surprise to see Andrija Delibasic for the home side, but they also need to get more service into the brilliant striker Leo. For Zaragoza, they will be content with their performance thus far and will attempt to sit in and break on the counter. Stay with us for the second half which will get underway in the next couple of minutes.

Here we go then. Zaragoza get us underway in the second period. My pre-match prediction of 1-1 is looking pretty good at the moment. Remember, Zaragoza have not kept a clean sheet in any of their league matches this season. But records are there to be broken right?! Stay with us for the rest of the action.

Decent start to the half from the home side as Fuego strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but Roberto watches it on its way over the crossbar. Zaragoza advance immediately down the other end, but Tito clears the danger.

Rayo really are dominating possession at the moment with Lass, Vasquez and Fuego enjoying touches of the ball. However, the final pass continues to elude them as Leo is left to chase a ball out wide. They have been lacking quality in the final third all evening.

In fairness to the home supporters they are staying with their side, but the quality of the football is not matching their desire. But they are one of those teams that can turn it on for a five or 10 minute period. You just get the feeling that the goals are not finished in this match.

It's better from the home side as Lass evades the challenge of two defenders before driving into the Zaragoza penalty area, but he fires at goal rather than cutting back to a teammate. At least he is providing some sort of attacking intent.

Half-chance comes to the home side as Alvaro fells Leo in a wide area, but the free kick from Dominguez is poor and Minero is on hand to clear the danger. Trashorras has a long-range effort moments later, but it whistles past the post.

Rayo continue to struggle to find that final pass and Leo moves offside before collecting a pass from Dominguez. It really is incredible how high Zaragoza's defensive line is situated. But the home side cannot find that searching ball. Better sides would have punished the away side this evening.

Not a great deal happening at the moment in terms of chances and attacking pressure. Rayo are certainly dominating possession of the ball, but as I have mentioned more than once, they cannot find that final pass. Zaragoza are ever so comfortable. Meanwhile, a host of free kicks has further interrupted the tempo of the match.

Rayo's night is summed up in an instant as Trashorras strikes a free kick right into the top corner of the stand. Meanwhile, moments later he fires another effort equally as high. I am not sure if it indeed did clear the stadium, but Jose Mourinho better watch out.

You just get the feeling that the home side have to make changes in this match, and soon. They have been lacking in ideas and invention all evening and you cannot see that changing. The home supporters have also lost their voices and it is affecting the team.

Another half-chance comes to the away side as Postiga finds the run of Montanes down the right, but the midfielder is just crowded out as he drives into the penalty area and Lass manages to clear. Meanwhile, the home side make their first change as Vasquez is replaced by Delibasic.

I know I keep bringing this statistic up, but Zaragoza have not kept a clean sheet all season. If the home side can get a goal back in the next five or 10 minutes then it would set up some end to the match. But at the moment it does not appear that they will find the target in a month of Sundays.

Zuculini appears to have a problem here for Zaragoza as he hits the deck under the challenge of Fuego. But the midfielder does return to his feet following some treatment from the magic sponge. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and the away side remain in total command of the match.

Half-chance for the home side as Delibasic drives into the penalty area, but it just would not fall for Leo and the danger was cleared by Alvao. Lass attempts down the right and finds Tito, but his shot is deflected over for a corner.

Zaragoza, meanwhile, are forced into the change as Zuculini is replaced by Stefan Babovic. In fairness to Rayo they have had a go in this second period, but it has been one of those matches where nothing has gone their way. But we all know how quickly football can change. All it takes is one goal.

Zaragoza are the side on the attack as we enter the final 15 minutes of football. They force a couple of corners in quick succession. Postiga comes close with a volley inside the penalty area, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper and Cobeno sets his side up on the counter.

The home side make another change as Trashorras is replaced by Nicki Bille. The striker has little over 10 minutes to inspire his side to a comeback. But Zaragoza continue to look the most likely with Postiga and Montanes causing all sorts of problems with their attacking movement.

Zaragoza make another change as Jose Mari replaces Victor Rodriguez. The recent changes have just interrupted the flow of the play and not a great deal has happened in the past few minutes. But that can all change in an instant. It must be said, however, that Zaragoza are as comfortable as they could possibly be.

Penalty shout for the home side as Nacho tumbles in the penalty area, but the referee shakes his head and play breaks down, allowing Zaragoza to clear the danger. In truth, it is a slight non-event at the moment. I just cannot see any possible way how the home side can take something from the match.

Penalty shout for the away side this time as Postiga attempts to chip the ball past Galvez in the penalty area and it indeed does strike the defender's arm. However, the referee shakes his head. That is as clear a penalty as you will ever see. But it does not appear that it will matter too much in the grand scheme of things.

Final change for the home side as Amat is replaced by Manuel Arana. It is all or nothing for Rayo now. If there is to be a late comeback then the goal has to come now. But they just cannot keep hold of possession with Zaragoza winning free kick after free kick.

Little over three minutes of normal time remaining and Zaragoza continue to frustrate Rayo with possession of the football. This one is over and you get the feeling that the supporters and Rayo players have just excepted it. This would be a fine away win for Zaragoza if they can indeed hang on.

Zaragoza make their final change of the evening as Montanes is replaced by Lucas Wilchez. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of added time. It almost has the feel of a pre-season match in the latter stages.

Half-chance for the home side as Lass drives into the Zaragoza box before striking towards goal, but his effort deflects behind for a corner. The set piece delivery is poor and Roberto manages to punch the danger clear.

Zaragoza continue to enjoy the possession in the latter stages of the match. This has been a fine away performance from them this evening. It will also be their first clean sheet of the season bar a late late strike. Little over 20 seconds of football remaining.

So there we have it. Zaragoza pick up their third away league win of the season against a disappointing Rayo outfit. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for Copa del Rey football tomorrow. Until then!