Rayo Vallecano travelled to San Mames on Sunday knowing that three points against high-flying Athletic Bilbao would move them out of the La Liga relegation zone.
The home side took a one-goal lead into the interval after defender Mikel San Jose converted from close range.
Rayo were level just past the hour mark through Alberto Bueno, but Mikel Rico sent Bilbao 2-1 ahead just minutes later.
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 San Mames as Athletic Bilbao welcome Rayo Vallecano. The home side currently sit fourth in the table on 30 points, while Rayo sit 19th on 13 points. Victory would move the capital outfit out of the bottom three, but it is a big ask against an in-form Bilbao side.
Much of Bilbao’s success in the early part of the season has been built on a strong home record with six wins and two draws on their own patch. They have lost four times in the league, but all four have been on the road. Rayo, meanwhile, have won two of their eight matches on the road, losing five times in the process.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won one of the last five, with the further three games ending in draws. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 2-1 Rayo win, while the points were shared in a 2-2 draw in Madrid towards the end of the campaign.
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, Gurpegi, San Jose, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Rico; Susaeta, Herrera, Muniain; Toquero
RAYO: Ruben; Ze Castro, Tito, Galvez, Mojica; Adrian, Saul, Bueno, Perea; Viera, Lass
So there we have it. Toquero continues as the lone forward for Bilbao, with the Spaniard gaining support from Muniain and Susaeta. However, there is no place for Aduriz. Rayo, meanwhile, pair Lass Bangoura and Jonathan Viera in attack. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in the Spanish capital.
Bright start from Bilbao as Susaeta finds some space down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Toquero cannot make contact under pressure from Galvez. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. San Mames is a wonderful place to be at the moment.
The early pressure from the home side continues as Susaeta curls a cross towards Ruben, with the Rayo stopper forced to push behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is towards San Jose, but Galvez is on hand to clear. Rayo have pace and movement on the counter, however, with Viera and Lass both starts for the capital outfit.
CROSSBAR! Bilbao come close to taking the lead as San Jose meets a corner from Susaeta, but his effort smashes off the crossbar. Rayo just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Bilbao continue to utterly dominate possession.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Lass embarks on a mazy run for the away side, but just loses possession at the vital moment. Toquero has a half-chance down the other end as he is found by Muniain inside the box, but the Bilbao striker can only turn his effort into the arms of Ruben from close range.
Rayo continue to take chances in their own area as Ruben plays a short goal kick to Tito, but the defender had moved into his own box. The referee has a different interpretation, however, and does not issue a yellow card. The home side continue to boss proceedings with 11 minutes on the clock at San Mames. Still goalless.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Bilbao as Muniain drives past three defenders before advancing into the box, but his effort is blocked by Tito at the final moment. Muniain is enjoying a really strong spell of form for the Basque outfit. Rayo continue to hold on, but they are struggling.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges in the middle of the park. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this evening. Rayo simply need to exert some sort of pressure on Bilbao, who are extremely comfortable at the moment.
It's good work from Lass as the Rayo forward bursts beyond two challenges before being felled by Bilbao defender San Jose. The resulting free kick is taken by Perea, but Rico is on hand to clear the danger with a powerful header. Still goalless after 18 minutes of La Liga football at San Mames.
Bilbao continue to boss proceedings in the middle of the park with the likes of Herrera and Rico seeing plenty of the ball, but the final pass has not been there thus far. The latter attempts to force one towards Toquero, but the Spaniard never had the pace to move away from Galvez, who shepherds it back to his own goalkeeper.
It's good work from Herrera once more as the Bilbao midfielder drives past two challenges before attempting to find Susaeta, but Galvez is across to clear the danger. Muniain picks up a free kick moments later after being felled by Tito, but once more the resulting set piece comes to nothing. Still goalless with 22 minutes on the clock at San Mames.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to take the lead as Iraola capitalises on a defensive mix-up just outside the Rayo box, but the defender can only fire his effort straight into the arms of Ruben from close range. Bilbao have had a couple of clear opportunities to take the lead this evening.
Half-chance for Susaeta this time as the Bilbao winger meets a cross from Iraola, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar. Rayo break down the other end with Viera moments later, but his effort is saved by Iraizoz. It almost falls for Adrian, but the referee blows for a free kick.
Rayo have another sight on goal as Perea finds himself in the Valencia box, but his effort is straight at Iraizoz. The home side have dominated proceedings in terms of possession, but the away side remain a threat on the counter with their pace and movement. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Susaeta floats a wonderful cross towards Toquero, but Tito comes from nowhere to produce a sensational defensive header. That is just brilliant from the Spaniard. It is difficult not to be impressed by Rayo's willingness to put their bodies on the line.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (San Jose)
Bilbao take the lead with 32 minutes on the clock as San Jose taps home from close range after latching onto a loose ball inside the box. Finally the home side make the breakthrough.
It did appear that Toquero had the final touch, but replays have shown that it was indeed San Jose, who has now scored four times this season. Can Rayo respond?! They are really struggling to keep hold of the ball at the moment as the pressure continues to grow. However, at 1-0, it is still very much game on at San Mames.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as both sides continue to dive into a number of challenges. However, the referee has allowed the match to flow. Toquero threatens once more after collecting a pass from Susaeta, but the Bilbao forward's final touch allows Ruben out to collect the danger.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with a number of late challenges interrupting the flow of the match. Bilbao are in control, however, with Herrera and Rico enjoying possession in the middle of the park. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at San Mames.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side to score their second as Muniain drives down the right before sliding a cross towards Herrera, but Tito just manages to clear at the final moment. Herrera has an effort on the half-volley moments later, but it is high and wide of the crossbar.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments as Bilbao control possession of the ball. Toquero has a half-chance as he collects a pass from Herrera on the edge of the box, but his tame effort is straight at Ruben. Rayo need to alter their shape in the second half if they are to recover.
HALF TIME: Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Bilbao leading 1-0 courtesy of a close-range finish from Mikel San Jose. In truth, it has been a half of utter domination for the home side. Rayo have shown glimpses on the counter, but have been unable to really threaten in the opening 45 minutes.
STATISTICS: Bilbao have shaded the possession with 56%, while they have had 10 attempts to Rayo's two, which is an indication of the first period. The home side could and perhaps should have been out of sight at this stage of proceedings, but Toquero has been wasteful in the final third.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Benat, Oscar de Marcos, Ibai Gomez and Aduriz. Meanwhile, Rayo have the likes of Roberto Trashorras, Castillo and Iago Falque in reserve. It would not be a surprise if changes were made as the second period advances.
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 the Mestalla as Valencia welcome Real Madrid - be sure to remain with us for that one. Right, Rayo get the second 45 minutes underway at San Mames. Let's hope for goals.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the final result. It's a bright start to the half from Rayo as Lass finds Adrian outside the box, but Iraizoz is on hand to make a fine save at his near post.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to score their second as Muniain breaks into the Rayo half before sliding a cross towards Toquero, but the striker can only turn wide from close range. It just is not happening in front of goal for the Bilbao striker at the moment.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Tito as the Rayo defender fells Susaeta just outside the box. The resulting free kick is clipped towards Toquero, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar. Another goal for Bilbao would make it very difficult for Rayo to respond. It would not be a surprise to see the away side make changes, even this early in the half.
Another opportunity for Bilbao to threaten from a free kick as Susaeta is felled down the right. The winger takes the resulting set piece, but Galvez is on hand to clear with a towering header. Rayo attempt to break with Lass, but the pacey forward runs out of options in the final third. Little over 35 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
Just a reminder that following this match we have live text coverage of Valencia against Real Madrid - be sure to remain with us for that one, which gets underway at 8pm. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with the intensity dropping from Bilbao. Both managers will surely be thinking about changes at this stage of proceedings.
CHANCE! Rayo come close to levelling as Adrian strikes a wonderful effort from outside the box, but Iraizoz just manages to tip over the crossbar. Where did that come from?! The resulting corner is delivered by Viera, but it moves out for a goal kick. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Still no movement on either bench, which is a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Just a few signs that Rayo are starting to warm to their task as they enjoy more of the possession, but the majority of their chances have been from distance. Bilbao, meanwhile, have just dropped their intensity in the last five minutes or so.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Rayo Vallecano (Bueno)
Rayo level just past the hour mark as Lass's cross eventually finds Bueno, who produced a wonderful bicycle-kick from close range. Brilliant technique from the Spanish striker. Game on!
Bilbao let their intensity drop and they have been punished. This would be a major blow if they were unable to claim all three points from this particular match. The away side break forward once more with Perea, but the attacker can only drag his effort wide of the post from outside the box.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to regain the lead as Susaeta drives into the Rayo box, but Ruben is on hand to make a fine save from the winger's effort. Rayo break down the other end with Lass, but his final ball does not find a teammate. End-to-end football at San Mames.
Bilbao look to their bench as Toquero is replaced by Aduriz, which is not a surprise. A second change follows moments later as Ibai replaces Herrera. Still no movement on the Rayo bench, but they are currently enjoying their best spell of the match. Little over 20 minutes of action remaining at San Mames.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Rayo Vallecano (Rico)
Bilbao regain the lead after 66 minutes as Aduriz collects a loose ball inside the box before finding Rico, who rolls his effort into the bottom corner. Well, they were not behind for long.
Rayo are not finished here as Viera drives into the Bilbao box before attempting to deliver a low cross towards Lass, but the on-loan Valencia forward loses control at the vital moment. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Ibai fires one high and wide of the crossbar from distance.
Bilbao continue to force the issue as Muniain slides a low pass towards Aduriz, but the striker does not have the pace to run away from the Rayo defence. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. Rayo certainly have the players to cause Bilbao problems, especially as the match opens up.
It's good work from Lass as the Rayo attacker bursts down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but San Jose is across to clear at the vital moment. Bilbao are on the counter down the other end, but the move breaks down when Aduriz has a fresh-air shot following a cross from Muniain.
Half-chance for Rayo as Bueno collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Iraizoz is across to make a fine save at the vital moment. Rayo make their first change moments later as Perea is replaced by Castillo. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining at San Mames.
CHANCES! Two golden chances for Bilbao to score their third as Susaeta rounds Ruben before finding Iraola on the edge of the box, but Mojica makes a fine clearance. Susaeta has a chance of his own moments later, but hits the post, before Rayo manage to clear. That should have been game over.
Opportunity for Viera to threaten from a free kick outside the box, but the Rayo forward fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Bilbao make their third and final change moments later as Muniain is replaced by Benat for the final 10 minutes or so.
Half-chance for Bueno this time as the Rayo forward finds some space outside the box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. It is a surprise that Paco Jemez has not looked to Falque in the latter stages. Rayo remain a strong threat on the counter attack.
Rayo make their second change as Trashorras replaces Ze Castro. That is a positive change from Paco Jemez at this stage of proceedings. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining, with Bilbao leading 2-1. However, you just get the feeling that there will be at least one more big chance in the latter stages.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Bilbao comfortable in possession of the ball. Rayo remain a threat on the counter, but it does appear that they are running out of ideas. Gomez has a long-range effort for Bilbao, but his strike was always moving wide of the post.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ibai to score Bilbao's third as he drives into the Rayo box following a swift counter, but Ruben is on hand to make another fine save. Can Rayo force one more big chance in the latter stages?
Half-chance for Benat as the Bilbao midfielder strikes a free kick from just outside the box, but Ruben is on hand to make the save. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Rayo to level as Viera collects a wonderful pass from Saul, but his final touch is just too heavy. Galvez has a strike from close range moments later, but it is blocked. Goalkeeper Ruben has twice been forward for corners, but Bilbao manage to clear the danger.
FULL TIME: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
So there we have it. Bilbao hold on to secure a vital three points ahead of the winter break in Spain. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Valencia against Real Madrid. Until then!
