Valencia welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Mestalla on Sunday looking for the three points that would have moved them into the top half in the table.
An uneventful opening period brought few chances for either side, with not one attempt testing either goalkeeper.
The second half followed a similar pattern, but it was Rayo who sensationally secured the points late on with a penalty from Alejandro Dominguez.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our La Liga commentary for Sunday gets underway with Valencia welcoming Rayo Vallecano to the Mestalla. It has not been the best of league campaigns for the home side thus far, but the closeness of the league means that three points could move them as high as seventh spot in the table.
Valencia’s domestic form has been a slight mystery, but their cup form has showed so such struggles. They have advanced to the knockout stages of the Champions League and also took a huge step towards the next round of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win away to Osasuna on Tuesday.
They began their season with back-to-back draws against Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna before losing to Barcelona. They then picked up a win over Celta Vigo, but suffered defeat one week later against Real Mallorca. However, their form has improved in the second part of the season.
They have won four of their last five matches in all competitions and have lost just two league matches since the end of October. The usually reliable Jonas has struggled for form in recent weeks, but Roberto Soldado has hit the goal trail once more and you would expect him to have some sort of say in the match this evening.
Teams:
Valencia: Alves; Rami, Barragan, Costa; Feghouli, Costa, Banega, Guardado; Piatti; Jonas, Soldado
Rayo: Cobeno; Tito, Casado, Galvez, Amat; Gonzalez, Trashorras, Vasquez, Dominguez; Piti, Leo
Rayo, meanwhile, have kept up their tag as one of the most inconsistent sides to ever play in Spain’s top division. They have struggled in recent weeks with just one win from their last four league matches, while they have scored just two goals in their last five games in all competitions.
They 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 did follow 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 aren’t 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.
Looking ahead to the rest of the evening. Following the completion of this match we have two absolute crackers. First up is Real Madrid versus Espanyol at the Bernabeu as Jose Mourinho’s side desperately attempt to keep in touch at the top of the table. Then comes the tie of the weekend as leaders Barcelona welcome second-placed Atletico Madrid to the Nou Camp.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags the action will get underway on this mild evening in Valencia. You just get the feeling that Valencia need to score the first goal in order to keep their supporters on side.
Just about enough time for my pre-match prediction. I just cannot see any possible way how Rayo win this match. Although I think it is far from an easy three points for the home side. That said, I am backing a 2-0 victory for Valencia. The referee blows his whistle and Rayo get the action underway.
Decent start from the away side with Franco Vasquez and Piti combining on the edge of the Valencia penalty area, but Adil Rami just steps in to clear the danger. The home side launch a counter attack down the other end, but Jonas cannot find Soldado and the attack breaks down. Bright opening.
The home supporters are in good voice in the early stages of this match, but neither side has really settled with possession thus far. A good break from Valencia comes close to creating a chance as Feghouli finds Barragan down the left, but the defender cannot cross and the danger is cleared.
Slight problem for Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves in the early stages as he is caught in a late challenge with Piti, but after a period of treatment the stopper is allowed to continue. It is amazing what that magic sponge can do these days. Meanwhile, Adrian whips a free kick into the Valencia box, but it drifts out for a goal kick.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the past few moments with both sides exchanging possession in the middle of midfield. Meanwhile, a host of fouls in and around the centre circle has also slowed the tempo. But the home supporters are certainly in the mood this evening as they continue to make their voice known.
Half-chance for the home side as Jonas collects possession outside the Rayo penalty area before turning and making room for a shot, but Tito makes a challenge at the vital moment to clear the danger. There is no question that the home side are in control of the possession, but Rayo carry a threat with Piti and Leo Baptistao.
Best period of the match for Rayo in the last couple of minutes as they twice attack with numbers down the left, but on both occasions the final pass is poor and Alves is on hand to collect. You just get the feeling that the first goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could be vital.
Half-chance for Valencia as Costa forces a free kick outside the Rayo penalty area. However, the delivery from Costa is poor and headed clear by Amat. The ball does find its way to Piatti from the resulting clearance, but the attacker can only fire high and wide of the crossbar.
It's good feet from Leo as the striker picks up possession before driving into the Valencia half, but he is stopped in his tracks by Rami. Although the referee deemed that it was a fair challenge from the French defender and play is allowed to continue. We are still waiting for the first real chance in this match after 16 minutes of football.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Franco Vasquez for a dangerous challenge on Jonas, a tackle that has left the Brazilian in a heap on the floor. It does look a nasty one and it is not yet clear whether he will be able to continue. It is a shame with this match having not got going thus far.
Decent pressure from Rayo in the last couple of moments as they force a couple of a throws deep in the Valencia half. However, they have been unable to find the likes of Piti and Leo in attacking areas. They are afforded the chance to whip a free kick into the box, but the set piece from Piti is poor and the danger is cleared.
Not a great deal happening in terms of attacking pressure in the last few minutes of football. The early pressure from the home side has disappeared with Jonas and Soldado struggling for any real service. But it is the type of match that will open up as soon as the first goal is awarded.
Better play from Rayo in the past few minutes with Leo and Piti both combining with Rodriguez in the final third, but once more the move breaks down on the final pass. Both teams have enjoyed nice passing sequences, but it was been that final ball that has eluded them.
You get the feeling that these two teams are not very fond of each other. A host of challenges continue to be made and it is interrupting the flow of the match. Each time we build up a bit of speed, a player is chopped down in his prime. We are still awaiting the first real chance of the match as we approach the 30-minute mark.
Good work from Piti comes close to forcing the first chance of the match as the striker evades two challenges before clipping a pass behind the Valencia defence, but Leo is just crowded out at the vital moment. Valencia advance down the other end, but Feghouli cannot make proper contact following a pass from Guardado.
Valencia's formation of 3-5-2 is allowing them to gain control of the possession in midfield, but when they lose it they look so open in defence. Unfortunately for Rayo they have been unable to exploit the space on the counter. There are goals in this match, but both teams really need to raise the tempo.
Pass, pass, pass. That has been the case in the past few minutes with Valencia enjoying plenty of the ball in the midfield area. However, each time they try and force the issue, the danger is cleared within seconds. A point would not be the worst result for Rayo and it appears they have set up to gain just that.
Half-chance for Rayo as they force a free kick from Barragan outside the Valencia penalty area. However, the set piece from Dominguez takes a deflection on its way over the crossbar. The resulting corner is also taken by the Argentine, but once more the danger is cleared.
Just about eight minutes of the half remaining and we are still awaiting our first half-chance of the match let alone a clear opportunity to open the scoring. However, the play has just opened up in the past few moments with both sides attacking with numbers and pace. We have two struggling teams on display here.
Half-chance for Valencia this time as Banega whips a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Rami's header is just wide of the target. It cannot really go down as a chance, but at least it is a form of attacking intent. Although replays have shown that at least two Valencia players were offside.
Suddenly the opportunities are starting to come for the home side as Jonas collects possession on the edge of the penalty area before turning and firing an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Little over four minutes of the first period remaining.
There is no question that Valencia have taken control of this match in the past five or 10 minutes, but still the opening goal continues to elude them. You just get the feeling that they have to register the first strike or risk the home supporters turning on them. It has been that type of season.
Another free kick is whipped into the penalty area by Banega, but once more Cobeno comes to collect the danger and take the pressure off his defence. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of football at the end of the half.
Another free kick is whipped into the penalty area by Banega, but once more Cobeno comes to collect the danger and take the pressure off his defence. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of football at the end of the half.
Valencia continue to force the issue in the latter stages of the half, but to no avail as another free kick is collected by the Rayo goalkeeper. Let's hope that the goal action is better in the second period. For everyone's sake!
Valencia 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
So there we have it. An uneventful first period of action is drawn to a close with the two sides entering the break level at 0-0. In truth, chances of any note have been at a premium inside the opening 45 minutes at the Mestalla.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Valencia have dominated the possession with 51% of the ball, but they have managed just three attempts at goal, none of which have been on target. Rayo have fared, worse, however creating just two opportunities which have been wide of the goal.
Looking ahead to the second period. It would not surprise me if Jonathan Viera was introduced for the home side. Despite having Jonas and Pablo Piatti on the pitch, neither has been able to create and carve openings. For Rayo, their obvious change would come in the shape of Andrija Delibasic.
Looking ahead to the rest of the evening's events for a moment. Following the completion of this match we have two absolute crackers. First up is Real Madrid versus Espanyol at the Bernabeu. Then comes the tie of the weekend as leaders Barcelona welcome second-placed Atletico Madrid to the Nou Camp.
Here we go then. Valencia kick us off in the second period. A reminder that the home side could move into seventh with three points this evening. However, they will have to improve on their first-half display. If you have just joined us, neither team had a single shot at goal in the opening 45 minutes of action.
There was a change at the interval for Valencia with Parejo replacing Piatti, who had a difficult 45 minutes of action. You just get the feeling that this is the type of match that could be won by a singular goal. Rayo have started the second period in confident fashion with possession of the ball.
Valencia attempt to pass their way into the Rayo box with Soldado and Jonas combining outside the box, but the latter's return pass for the Brazilian is just too long and the away side regain possession. We still await the first real chance of the match with 50 minutes on the clock.
Neither side has really settled in the second period thus far with both teams exchanging spells of possession in midfield. Valencia are maybe just shading it as was the case in the opening 45 minutes, but Rayo are comfortable in dealing with the danger. The onus is not on them to attack.
Finally a half-chance comes to Valencia as Feghouli whips a high cross into the penalty area towards Soldado, but the Spanish striker is just beaten to the ball by Tito and the danger is headed clear. At least that we saw some sort of invention there. Little over 35 minutes of action remaining and the score stays 0-0.
Still no sign of any movement on the Rayo defence as they continue to sit in and absorb the danger. Is this really the same Valencia side that have progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League? It has been a match short of any quality whatsoever.
A couple of high balls into the Rayo penalty area threaten to cause problems, but Casado deals with the danger on both occasions. I may be wrong, but I am not sure if Leo or Piti have touched the ball in the second period for the away side. They are just not interested in attacking at the moment.
Just as I say that, Leo collects possession before shaking off Rami and attempting to feed Vasquez, but Barragan is on the cover in order to clear the danger. In fairness to the home supporters they are remaining with their side with little over 30 minutes of action remaining.
Still the home side look the team most likely to open the scoring as they force two corners in quick succession, but Jonas can only fire high of the target on the second occasion. Meanwhile, Valencia prepare first change of the evening as Juan Bernat is put through his routine.
Bernat does indeed join the action with Jonas leaving the field. It has been yet another disappointing evening for the Brazilian who was so impressive last season. Still no sign of any change for the away side, but they are holding onto what would be a good point here.
Just as I say that, Rayo do make their first change of the evening as Lass replaces Vasquez. Now they have a bit of pace in attack which will worry the Valencia defence. This match is just set up for Rayo to knick one on the counter late on. It has that kind of feel.
Rayo are forced into a change of goalkeeper here as Cobeno is caught in a clash with Soldado and therefore Ruben Martinez is introduced to the field of play. Not the ideal situation with little over 20 minutes remaining of a match that is still 0-0. I suspect Valencia will be keen to test him early on.
Valencia continue to camp in the Rayo half with Guardado and Soldado the main threats, but the away side still absorb the danger before clearing. However, there is simply no out-ball for Rayo at the moment and it keeps on coming straight back. You would love to see them have a go here.
A rare attack for Rayo in the second period forces a corner as Rami is forced into a rash clearance behind his own goal, but the corner from Lass is poor and Alves is allowed to collect. Meanwhile, it appears that Valencia are preparing their second change of the match.
Right, we have little over 15 minutes of football remaining and the score is still 0-0. Taking into account the final period of the match, which could be decisive, this match has been the poorest fixture in La Liga I have seen this season. Neither team has shown any real quality.
Valencia make their second change of the match as Rami is replaced by Ali Cissokho. It appeared that the Frenchman had been carrying a knock in the past few moments of the match. The home side continue to drive forward with their supporters behind them. But they cannot force it into the back of the net.
Valencia continue to force the issue with Soldado and Feghouli involved in the final third of the pitch, but as has been the case all evening, another attack breaks down. Meanwhile, Rayo make their third change of the match as Tito is replaced by Nacho.
Half-chance for Rayo as Trashorras finds himself unmarked on the edge of the penalty area, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Piti, but the delivery is poor and the danger is cleared. Shock.
PENALTY TO RAYO: The away side are awarded a penalty as Tino Costa is adjudged to have felled Leo in the penalty area. Oh my word what a moment in this match. Can Rayo move into the lead in the final moments?
GOAL! Valencia 0-1 Rayo Vallecano (Dominguez)
Would you believe it? Would you believe it? It has been all Valencia in this second period, but Rayo advance down the other and Alejandro Dominguez converts from the spot. What a moment for them. It is a horror show for Valencia.
Valencia attempt to respond immediately with Soldado carrying the fight down the left, but his ball into the penalty area is poor and the danger is cleared. What would this result do to their season? They have little over four minutes save themselves from a stunning defeat.
Little over two minutes of football to play in this match and Rayo remain in the lead. Valencia continue to pass and probe in the opposing half, but the final ball is poor on each occasion. Soldado has a half-chance in the box, but his tame effort is straight at the goalkeeper.
Half-chance for Valencia once more as Benaga advanced into the Rayo penalty area, but his effort was over the crossbar. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of football at the end of the match.
Valencia continue to force the issue with a host of high balls into the Rayo penalty area, but the danger is cleared and the away side are allowed to break as the seconds drift away. They are two minutes away from a famous, famous win here.
Valencia just cannot get the ball at the moment with little under 30 seconds of football to play. Lass has been a vital player for Rayo since entering the field as he continues to run the channels and hassle the Valencia defence. If the home side are to score then it has to be now.
Valencia 0-1 Rayo Vallecano
So there we have it. A late penalty from Dominguez is enough to secure the points for Rayo. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for Real Madrid versus Espanyol. Until then!
