Evening all! La Liga football is back with us! The majority of the European leagues are well underway, but Spanish top-flight action has had to wait until this weekend. Sports Mole's immediate focus tonight is on the Vicente Calderon as title-hopefuls Atletico Madrid welcome newly-promoted Las Palmas to the Spanish capital. Let's hope for a cracking night of football!

The new La Liga season officially got underway on Friday, with Sevilla opening their campaign with a goalless draw away to Malaga. Elsewhere tonight, Espanyol are currently beating Getafe 1-0 in Barcelona, while Deportivo La Coruna and Real Sociedad are goalless at the interval of their clash.

Atletico and Las Palmas have not actually met in Spain's top flight since the 1987-88 campaign, when the Canaries finished bottom and were relegated. Their most recent meeting occurred in the Copa del Rey back in 2005 and it was Atletico that recorded a 1-0 victory. What's more, Atletico have only lost one of their last 12 top-flight meetings with Las Palmas - winning eight times in the process.

Without further ado, let me confirm the team news from the Spanish capital...

TEAMS:

ATLETI: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Oliver; Griezmann, Martinez

LAS PALMAS: Raul; Bigas, Alcaraz, Aythami, Simon; D.Castellano, J.Castellano, Hernan, Mesa; Araujo, Viera

So there we have it. Atletico boss Diego Simeone has handed a league debut to Jackson Martinez, who will lead the line for the hosts this evening. Filipe Luis will also make his second debut for the capital side, while Oliver Torres is selected in the XI after returning from a loan spell at Porto. Summer signings Stefan Savic and Luciano Vietto are both on the bench, as is a certain Fernando Torres.

© Getty Images

As for Las Palmas, there are debuts for Jonathan Viera, Antolin Alcaraz and Pedro Bigas. Sergio Aruajo, who scored 25 league goals last season, will lead the line for the newly-promoted outfit. In midfield, twins Dani Castellano and Javi Castellano are both selected alongside Hernan and Roque Mesa.

Las Palmas are actually winless in 16 La Liga games at the Vicente Calderon, with their last victory in this stadium occurring back in 1969. The Canaries are also without a win in 40 top-flight trips to Madrid – losing 29 times in the process. These statistics will not make great reading for their supporters, but this is a new season and new opportunities await. Just about 40 minutes until kickoff here.

A stunning 2013-14 campaign saw Atletico finish as La Liga champions, while they also reached the final of the Champions League, where they were beaten by great rivals Real Madrid. The loss of key players last summer harmed their ability to launch another challenge, however, and Simeone's side could only finish third in Spain's top flight last season. It was still a strong campaign, but they actually only finished two points above fifth-place Sevilla and just about beat Valencia to third position.

There have been big changes this summer, but it looks to have been a stronger transfer window. Jackson Martinez, Stefan Savic, Yannick Ferreira Carasco, Luciano Vietto have all arrived, while Filipe Luis has also returned following one season at Chelsea. Arda Turan, Miranda, Mario Mandzukic and Mario Suarez have gone the other way, but there is no question that their current squad looks a more solid unit.

Indeed, many believe that Simeone's side can launch a stronger title challenge this time around. In truth, last season, Barcelona and Real Madrid pulled away and it was Spain's big two that battled in the second half of the season. Atletico did lack goals last season, but one look at their squad for the year ahead is an indication of their abundance of attacking talent. Defensively, they are also very strong.

It has also been a strong pre-season for Atletico, who have played seven matches since the end of last season. They have won six and drawn one of their seven friendlies this summer, including an impressive 3-0 victory over Real Betis last time out. Simeone's side are well-renowned for being one of the fittest outfits in European football and they have posted plenty of pre-season minutes.

© Getty Images

Looking ahead, Atletico have two very difficult games ahead. With all respect to Las Palmas, they will expect to win tonight, but they then travel to Sevilla next weekend, before hosting Barcelona straight after the international break. Somewhat surprisingly, Atletico have only actually won one of their last five in the league, having drawn three and lost one of their final four league matches last season.

As for Las Palmas, they are playing La Liga football for the first time since the 2001-02 season, when they were relegated in 18th position. Since then, they have spent 11 seasons in the Segunda and two in the Segunda B. They barely stayed in the Segunda from 2006 to 2011, but have gradually improved. Last season, they finished fourth in Spain's second league and were promoted by overcoming both Real Valladolid and Real Zaragoza in the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how they fare this season.

Las Palmas' biggest piece of transfer business this summer has been the permanent signing of Argentine forward Sergio Araujo, who scored 25 league goals last season. Former Valencia attacker Jonathan Viera has also arrived from Standard Liege, while experienced centre-back Antolin Alcaraz made the move having left Everton on a free transfer. Araujo in particular will be key this evening.

There have been four first-team departures, but head coach Paco Herrera has managed to keep the majority of his key players. In truth, they are expected to struggle this season, but a result this evening would certainly hand them confidence. They are a team that play excellent football and are bound to provide some entertaining matches this season. The atmosphere is building ahead of kickoff in Madrid!

Las Palmas have also played seven pre-season friendlies this summer – recording four wins and suffering three defeats. In terms of looking ahead, Herrera's side will host Levante in their first home league match of the season next weekend, before travelling to Celta Vigo after the international break.

DID YOU KNOW? Las Palmas are the only team in Spanish football to have achieved back-to-back promotions to La Liga in their first two seasons. Back in 1949-50, they started in the Tercera Division, before rising to the Segunda and then La Liga for the 1951-52 season, where they finished 15th.

PREDICTION: To be blunt, I am finding it very difficult to look past a comfortable home win at the Vicente Calderon this evening. I do not think that it will be a hiding, but I would be surprised if Atletico did not claim all three points on their own patch. My score prediction tonight is 2-0 Atletico.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. Can Las Palmas cause a shock in the Spanish capital? Let's hope for an entertaining game from the capital.

KICK OFF! It could be a long and uncomfortable night for Las Palmas, who really need to start well here. It is the away side that get the first period of action underway. Here we go again...

... it has been an open and entertaining first couple of minutes at the Calderon, with both teams attempting to gain an early foot-hold. The possession is currently with Atletico in a deep area.

CHANCE! The first opportunity of the match falls to Atletico as Griezmann hooks one towards goal from a difficult angle, but the Frenchman's effort was always moving wide of Raul's post.

Another opportunity for the home side, this time a half-chance, as Torres delivers a cross onto the head of Tiago, but his effort dropped the wrong side of the post. Confident start from Atletico here.

Las Palmas are struggling to keep hold of the ball at the moment as the home side continue to pass and probe in the final third. Atletico have plenty of movement about them in the early exchanges.

It has been a decent spell of possession for the away side in the last couple of minutes, with Araujo coming deep to receive the ball and driving into a wide area. You just get the feeling that Las Palmas need to get through the opening 15, 20 minutes here without conceding. So far, so good in Madrid.

Gabi wants a yellow card for Araujo after being chopped down by the Argentine, but the referee is not interested and play continues down the Atletico left, with Luis delivering a cross towards Martinez.

Araujo, who scored 25 league goals last season, has been threatening for Las Palmas in the opening 12 minutes, with his movement causing problems to the Atletico defence. Still goalless here.

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Las Palmas have now settled into the match and are enjoying decent possession in the final third. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital. Las Palmas will only grow in confidence.

Atletico have a free kick just outside the Las Palmas box as Alcaraz fells Griezmann...

... GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Las Palmas (Griezmann)

Atletico open their La Liga tally for the season as Griezmann's free kick finds the back of the net. The Frenchman's effort took a big deflection off the wall and Las Palmas stopper Raul could not prevent the ball from passing. A bit of luck about the goal, but the goalkeeper needed to do a lot better there!

Las Palmas need to be really careful here as Atletico start to go through the gears in Madrid.

It is all Atletico at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Las Palmas have a threat on the counter, but Atletico are so strong defensively that it will be difficult for the visitors to find a way through. It is just the start that Simeone would have wanted from his team.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments following a couple of late challenges. However, the official has not yet branded a yellow card at the Calderon.

Las Palmas must keep believing that they can get something out of this match, despite falling behind. The visitors have been neat and tidy in possession of the ball, while Araujo's movement has been a problem for the Atletico defence. Javi Castellano tries his luck for the visitors, but his effort is over.

Hernan is down and looks in considerable pain for Las Palmas after seemingly falling on his ankle following an Atletico corner. The visitors might well be forced into an early change tonight...

... false alarm - Hernan is back on his feet. It looked more serious than it was!

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances at the moment, but the home side are still in control of the possession in forward areas. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.

At 1-0, Las Palmas will always be in this match and the visitors have shown that they are capable of keeping the ball in the middle third of the field, but they have struggled where it matters thus far.

We have not seen too much from Jackson Martinez in the Atletico attack thus far, with the visitors doing a good job of containing the Colombian forward. In truth, Las Palmas have restricted Atletico to very few opportunities in the opening 34 minutes - only a Griezmann free kick separates the sides.

Atletico continue to deliver crosses into the Las Palmas box, but Alcaraz and Bigas have been fairly comfortable defending their own penalty area thus far. The away supporters are also in fine voice as we approach the latter stages of the first period. Paco Herrera will be pleased with his team thus far.

Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at the Calderon and in truth, not too much is happening. It has not exactly been a vintage performance from Atletico thus far, but they lead.

CHANCE! Opportunity for the home side to double their lead as Luis strikes one towards the bottom corner, but his effort is deflected past the post. An cross from Torres towards Martinez had initially caused problems inside the penalty area. Still 1-0 to Simeone's side after 41 minutes.

Las Palmas are popping the ball around in midfield as we approach the half-time break.

So far, so good for Atletico, but not much more than that if we are being honest. It has not been the best half of football that you will ever see, with chances very much at a premium thus far!

SAVE! Las Palmas stopper Raul beats a Griezmann effort away from goal.

Another nervy moment for Raul as he is forced to claw behind for a corner, with Atletico raising the intensity in the final moments of this first period. So important they do not concede another...

... HALF-TIME: Atletico 1-0 Las Palmas

So there we have it. The referee brings the first 45 minutes to a close with Atletico leading 1-0 courtesy of Griezmann's deflected free kick in the 16th minute. Las Palmas have not been overly worked at the back, but they have really struggled to make their mark in the final third of the field.

STATS! Atletico have dominated the possession with 64%, while they have had six attempts - two of which have been on target. As for Las Palmas, they failed to hit the target with either of their two attempts in the first period. There have also been just 11 fouls and no bookings thus far tonight.

BENCH WATCH! Atletico have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Correa, Garcia, Saul, Torres and Vietto all in reserve for Simeone. Las Palmas boss Paco Herrera, meanwhile, has options in the shape of Momo, Nauzet, Willian and the ever-green Valeron.

RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the field for the second 45 minutes of action. Can Las Palmas recover from 1-0 behind? Atletico restart this La Liga clash...

No changes from either side at the interval, which is not too surprising. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-0 for the next 15 or 20 minutes at the Calderon.

It has been a decent start to the second period from Las Palmas, who have been able to enjoy possession in the final third. They have not yet had a shot on target, however, which is a concern at this stage of the match. The next goal - if there indeed is one - will be absolutely vital here.

Half-chance for the home side as Torres finds space in the final third before sliding a pass into Koke, who sets one back towards Luis, but the left-back's powerful strike was always rising.

Atletico have another chance to threaten as Koke delivers a free kick towards the far post, but Alcaraz is on hand to head clear. Not too much happening in terms of clear opportunities at the moment.

Half-chance for the home side as Luis delivers a super cross towards Martinez, who seemed certain to at least test the goalkeeper, but Bigas came from nowhere to make a really smart sliding tackle.

Martinez is again the target for the home side as Torres delivers a cross towards the far post, but the striker cannot make contact. Still 1-0 Atletico with little over 30 minutes of football remaining.

BOOKING! Juanfran (Atletico) is booked for fouling Araujo.

CROSSBAR! Wonderful chance for the away side to level here as David Simon has a free header at the far post, but his effort smashes off the crossbar. What an opportunity for Las Palmas!

ATLETICO SUB: Fernando Torres replaces Martinez.

You just get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in this match and Las Palmas will feel that chances will arrive as the minutes develop. Still plenty of time for things to change in Madrid.

LAS PALMAS SUB: Vicente Gomez replaces Hernan.

LAS PALMAS SUB: Second change in quick succession as Momo replaces Mesa.

ATLETICO SUB: Atletico also make their second change as Correa replaces Oliver.

Possession football from the home side in the last couple of minutes, but Las Palmas are still defending very well, which has been a feature of their performance tonight. Still 1-0 to the home side here.

Correa delivers a useful ball into the Las Palmas penalty area, but a yellow shirt is first to react and once again the danger is cleared. Atletico's job of claiming three points is far from finished.

CHANCE! Correa comes close to sending Atletico 2-0 ahead after a low cross from Luis falls to the feet of the Argentine, but Alcaraz is on hand to make an excellent block at the vital moment!

At 1-0, Las Palmas are still more than in this match and the visitors are showing invention in the final third of the field. Strong work from Simon forces a corner from Luis, but Bigas's header is deflected over for another set piece. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining at the Calderon tonight.

SAVE! Sensational goalkeeping from Oblak as the Atletico stopper somehow manages to palm clear an effort from Aythami, who made contact from a whipped corner. Stunning!

You can just sense the nervousness inside the stadium as Las Palmas grow in confidence with each passing minute. Atletico have been unable to find a second goal as we approach the latter stages.

Better from Atletico as Griezmann shows excellent feet before finding Juanfran, who delivers towards the near post, but Raul is on hand to collect. What a finish we could have on our hands here.

Atletico continue to pass and probe outside the Las Palmas box, but the final shot from Correa is straight into the body of the away side's goalkeeper. Correa has been very lively since entering.

SAVE! Raul is forced to beat away an effort from Luis as Atletico come close again.

LAS PALMAS SUB: Willian Jose replaces Dani Castellano.

ATLETICO SUB: Raul Garcia replaces Griezmann.

CHANCE! Aythami has another excellent chance for Las Palmas after rising highest inside the Atletico box, but his header sails over the crossbar. The visitors have had opportunities tonight!

BOOKING! Torres (Atletico) is booked for simulation.

Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as we approach the final stages with just one goal between the teams. Las Palmas will still fancy taking something from this match.

Just a reminder that immediately after this match we will have live commentary of Rayo Vallecano versus Valencia, so be sure to remain with me for that. Not long remaining at the Calderon now.

Atletico have a free kick just outside the box as Gomez brings Torres to the ground...

... POST! Koke's set piece rattles the woodwork! So unlucky!

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes in Madrid.

Quite an untidy end to the match here as the referee is forced to deal with a number of late challenges. It does appear that Atletico will hold on to record all three points in Madrid here.

So there we have it. The referee brings the clash to an end and Atletico indeed start with a win against an impressive Las Palmas side. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with me for Rayo Vallecano versus Valencia, which is coming in the next couple of minutes!