Evening all! Elche get their La Liga campaign underway this evening with a trip to Rayo Vallecano, who finished eighth in the table last season. There is no question that both of these sides are favourites for the drop this time around, however, which makes these type of games all the more important. We could be in for a real cracker this evening.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Elche have certainly enjoyed the best of it with three wins from the last five, with the final two ending in a draw. The last time the two sides met was in December 2010, with the Segunda Division clash ending in a share of the spoils – which was also the case in April of the same year.

TEAMS:

RAYO: Cobeno; Tito, Galvez, Galeano, Nacho; Saul, Trashorras, Bueno; Lass, Carlos, Larrivey

ELCHE: Herrera; Sapunaru, Lomban, Botia, Cisma; Generelo, Rivera, Aaron, Carles Gil; Coro; Manu del Moral

So there we have it. Joaquin Larrivey, Saul Niguez and Alberto Bueno come in for their debuts for the home side, while there is also a starting spot for Lass Bangoura, who has been tipped to enjoy a big season. There are also a number of debutants for Elche, meanwhile, with Alberto Botia, Manu del Moral, David Lomban, Cristian Sapunaru and Carlos Gil all starting for the away side.

Rayo were always going to struggle to keep their star players out of the clutches of other teams this summer, which proved to be the case. Leo Baptistao departed the club to join Atletico Madrid, while top scorer from last season Piti also left for Granada. In terms of their incomings, it is difficult to see how those goals are going to be replaced.

Much emphasises will be placed on the shoulders of Lass Bangoura this season, who did enjoy a successful campaign last season. The 21-year-old will not only be expected to contribute in terms of assists, but also goals, which Rayo’s squad lacks as we enter the season. They might have finished eighth last season, but you have to worry about them this time around.

Elche earned the right to play La Liga football this season after storming to the Segunda Division title in the previous campaign. They won 23 of their 42 matches, securing 82 points in the process, a total which left them five points clear of nearest challenges Villarreal, who also get their campaign underway later this evening against Almeria.

Elche have certainly boosted their squad this summer with a number of players arriving with genuine experience at this level of football. Manu del Moral, Miroslav Stevanovic and Alberto Botia were all allowed to join on loan from Sevilla, while Ruben Perez - who is suspended this evening - will provide quality in the middle of the park.

However, you have to worry about their lack of goals. They scored just 54 times in their 42 league games last season, which was 14 less than Villarreal and 18 less than Almeria. To put it into context, Huesca, who were relegated, scored just eight fewer than Elche. Their defensive record allowed them to top the league, but they will not be able to boast such an impressive goals against tally this season.

Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction with little over two minutes until kickoff. This is not the same Rayo team that impressed last season, but I think they will have enough on their own patch to pick up all three points this evening. Be sure to remain with us for the action.

Just a reminder of the main team news. Larrivey, Saul and Bueno come in for their debuts for the home side. There are also a number of debutants for Elche, meanwhile, with Botia, Manu del Moral, Lomban, Sapunaru and Gil all starting in the Spanish capital. Right, the home side get the action underway on this warm evening in Spain.

Not a sell-out inside the stadium by any stretch of the imagination, but there is a strong atmosphere. This ground really become a fortress last season, which was one of the main reasons for their success. Bright start from Rayo with Saul combining with Larrivey before delivering a cross towards Bueno, but Botia is across to clear at the vital moment.

Neither side has been able to settle thus far with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges in the middle of midfield. First sign of Lass as the pacey forward collects possession outside the box before finding Saul, but the on-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder can only slice his effort into the arms of the watching Elche goalkeeper.

First sign of Elche as an attacking threat as Manu del Moral collects a pass from Rivera before driving a low cross into the box, but Aaron cannot make contact under pressure from Nacho Martinez. Lomban eventually has a strike from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.

Better from Elche in the last couple of moments with the away side starting to see more of the possession in the opposing half. It's good work from Aaron as the number seven drives past Jose Carlos, but the Spaniard is felled by the Rayo midfielder. The resulting free kick is delivered towards Carles Gil, but it breaks down at the vital moment. Still no chances for either side with eight minutes on the clock.

Plenty of suggestions that Elche will open up away from home this season with the likes of Coro and Gil occupying advanced positions in the early stages. A half-chance arrives down the other end as Nacho delivers a low cross towards Larrivey, but the Argentine cannot make contact, before Galvez picks up a yellow for a challenge on Coro down the other end.

Lass is again involved for the home side as the number 19 collects possession down the left before delivering a low cross towards Herrera, but the Spanish goalkeeper just manages to collect at the vital moment. In truth, it has been a fairly low-key opening 15 minutes to this fixture with neither side able to force the issue in the final third.

Problem for Trashorras as the Rayo midfielder hits the deck in the middle of the park, but the Spaniard is deemed fit to continue following a period of treatment. Moments later Sapunaru enters the book for a late foul on Lass, who has been the star of the show in the opening 14 minutes in the Spanish capital.

The resulting free kick is whipped into the penalty area by Nacho, but Jose Carlos can only direct his header high and wide of the crossbar under pressure from Cisma. Not too much in terms of possession for Elche in the last few moments with the newly-promoted outfit really struggling to gain a foothold in the middle of the park.

Lass continues to look the most likely for the home side as the winger darts beyond Cisma before delivering a low cross into the box, but his teammates are not on his wavelength at the moment. Without sounding like a broken record, Rayo are seriously going to miss the likes of Leo and Piti this season. Looking at their side, where are the goals going to come from?

Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with the supporters almost waiting for something to happen. A half-chance does arrive for the away side as Aaron meets a cross from Lomban, but he can only plant his effort wide of the post. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - would open up proceedings in the Spanish capital.

Better intent from Elche in the last couple of moments with the newly-promoted side winning a number of free kicks around the edge of the Rayo box. The latest presents Aaron with the opportunity to fire a low cross into the box, but Cobeno is on hand to collect with relative ease.

Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last few moments with their opponents enjoying the majority of the possession. However, neither side has done anywhere near enough in the final third to deserve to be leading at this stage of the match. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.

Better tempo to the match in the last few moments with both sides attempting to force the issue in the final third. A half-chance comes to Jose Carlos as the Rayo striker collects possession outside the box before firing an effort towards the bottom corner, but Herrera is across to make the save. The Elche stopper attempts to release Manu on the break, but the on-loan Sevilla striker loses his footing outside the Rayo penalty area.

It must be said that the home supporters are creating a truly sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. One thing is for certain, if their team fall behind, they will not start booing. It is just not that kind of club. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with the two sides still level at 0-0.

Good possession from the home side in the last couple of moments with the likes of Lass and Saul seeing plenty of the ball. The latter attempts to create an opportunity with a low pass towards Jose Carlos, but Cisma is across to clear the danger. Elche continue to impress with their energy, but there is not much end product at the moment.

Well, we have had 35 minutes of action in the Spanish capital and neither side has had a serious attempt on target. We have seen some brilliant matches thus far this weekend, but at the moment, this is not one of them! In truth, a draw would not be the worse result for either of these two sides, but the onus is on Rayo to attack on their home patch. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Carlos hits the deck following a clash with Botia, but the Rayo striker is deemed fit to continue following a period of treatment. Couple of free kicks for the both sides, but nothing much to report with 37 minutes on the clock.

Carlos does not last much longer, however, with the home side forced into the first change of the match as Alberto Perea enters proceedings. More attacking intent about Rayo as they continue to force set pieces outside the Elche box, but the quality has been poor thus far. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.

Half-chance for the home side as Lass cuts inside before firing a low cross into the box, but Larrivey just cannot make contact under pressure from Botia, who has been the pick of the Elche defenders thus far. You just get the feeling that this is the type of match that could be decided by the single goal. At the moment, however, that does not seem to be close.

What was I saying about the goal not coming? Well it has come for the home side. Again it's Lass who threatens down the left before delivering a low cross towards Bueno, who thumps his effort into the back of the net from close range. That has changed the complexion of this match that is for certain.

Now it is up to Elche to respond in the second period, but they have just not been in this match as an attacking threat. Really untidy period of the match in the last few moments, meanwhile, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Little over two minutes of football remaining in the first period.

Stunning noise inside the stadium at the moment with the home supporters certainly enjoying what they have seen in the last couple of minutes. The ball has spent most of its time in the air in the last few moments with Elche desperately attempting to find Manu del Moral and Gil in the final third.

Rayo have their second in the final moments of the first period as Perea collects possession outside the box before curling a wonderful effort into the top corner. From nowhere, the home side find themselves 2-0 ahead in the Spanish capital.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Rayo leading 2-0 courtesy of strikes from Bueno and Perea in the latter stages of the half. In truth, nothing happened up until the 40th minute, when Bueno found the back of the net from close range.

It is important that Rayo spread the goals around this season following the departures of a number of key players in the summer. Well, that has been the case in the first period. It is difficult to imagine the capital outfit replicating last season's top-half finish, but they still have the players to cause teams problems, especially on their home patch.

For Elche, it was always going to be a tough season. Fran Escriba would have been happy entering the break on terms, but two late goals has changed the complexion of the match. The likes of Charles Gil and Manu del Moral have struggled to influence proceedings thus far, but they have options on the bench in the shape of Stevanovic.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. There have been no changes at the interval, but the home side have already been forced into a change with Perera replacing the injured Jose Carlos in the first half. Right, Elche get the action underway in Madrid.

You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the outcome of this match. If Rayo score, then it is curtains in terms of the result, but if Elche can cut the deficit to just one goal, then is really is game on. Fairly low-key start to the half with Rayo enjoying possession of the ball in their own half.

Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments with Galvez twice winning corners in quick succession. The first is delivered into the arms of Herrera, before Cisma rises in the box to clear a cross from Saul. Perera, meanwhile, is just starting to find pockets of space just outside the Elche box.

Slight problem for Larrivey as the Rayo midfielder hits the deck following a challenge with Botia, but it does appear that the Argentine will be fit to continue. The second period has been slightly scrappy thus far with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Elche just need something to happen in the final third. Some sort of inspiration.

Just a reminder that the other two newly-promoted teams are in action this evening as Almeria welcome Villarreal, with the action due to begin at 9pm. Be sure to remain with us for that and also live commentary from Celta Vigo against Espanyol. In case you have missed the league action this weekend, be sure to check out our La Liga section to bring yourself up-to-date with proceedings.

Half-chance for the home side as Saul wins a free kick outside the penalty area, the resulting set piece is delivered towards the near post, but Herrera just manages to make the save. The Elche stopper attempts to release Manu del Moral on the counter, but the on-loan Sevilla forward had moved into an offside position.

Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. In truth, there has not been much between the two teams in general play, but two strikes in the latter stages of the first half has left Rayo with a comprehensive lead with little over 30 minutes remaining.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Perera to score his second of the match as the first-half substitute collects a pass from Lass before striking an effort towards goal, but Lomban is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. First change for Elche moments later as Chaves replaces Manu del Moral, who has struggled this evening.

Couple of half-chances for the home side as Rayo force two corners in quick succession, but Saul can only clip his effort wide of the target before Galvez heads into the arms of the Elche goalkeeper. Both sides have had one change, but not much has been altered with little over 25 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.

Another problem for the away side here as Gil falls under a high challenge with Tito, but the referee does not award the free kick. Another half-chance arrives for the home side moments later as Saul drives into the box before finding Lass, but he can only drill his effort wide of the post when he perhaps should have scored.

Change for the away side as Mantecon replaces Generelo for the final 20 minutes or so. Not too much in terms of attacking intent for Elche, however, with Rayo enjoying more of the possession. Botia takes matters into his own hands for the away side with a strike from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.

Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments with Elche struggling for possession in the opposing half. Slight problem for Saul as the Rayo winger collides with his own teammate, but he is deemed fit to continue following a period of treatment. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.

Wonderful noise inside the stadium at the moment with the home supporters making their feelings known. The performance from Rayo has not been particularly impressive up until this point, but it does appear that they are heading for three points. Lass attempts to force the issue once more with a mazy run into the box, but Botia is across to clear at the vital moment.

Trashorras shows his defensive and attacking instincts within 30 seconds as the Spaniard denies Rivera outside the box before striking towards goal moments later, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Elche threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Cobeno denies Coro from close range.

Bueno has his second of the match as Bueno collects possession outside the box before thumping a wonderful strike into the bottom corner. That is some finish from the Spaniard, who has certainly been the star of the show. Game, set and match.

Rayo go in search of their fourth of the evening as Saul collects a pass from Galvez before driving a low cross into the box, but Cisma just manages to clear at the vital moment. Final change for the away side moments later, meanwhile, as Alvaro replaces Aaron.

Another half-chance for the home side as Saul drives past two defenders before sliding a low cross into the box, but it just evaded Galves, who had made a move forward from defence. Still Elche cannot force the issue down the other end with each half-chance breaking down at the final moment.

Possession football from the home side in the last few moments with Saul and Trashorras seeing plenty of the ball. Meanwhile, Lass continues to run down the clock by keeping the ball in the final third. It has been a very professional performance from Rayo, who will certainly begin their season with three points.

Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Almeria as the home side welcome Villarreal. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo are also in action against Espanyol. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments with neither side too prepared to commit numbers forward.

Finally a bit of quality from Elche as Botia combines with Coro before attempting to curl an effort towards the bottom corner, but Cobeno is across to make a fine save at the vital moment. Lass breaks down the other end before sliding a pass towards Saul, but the on-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder just loses his footing under pressure from Sapunaru.

Lass is again the danger for Elche as the winger picks up possession before breezing past Lomban, but the Spanish defender does manage to clear at the second time of asking. I should not think that too much time will be added at the end of the match with a distinct lack of stoppages throughout the second period.

So there we have it. Bueno scores twice as Rayo begin their season with three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Almeria against Villarreal. Until then!