Rayo Vallecano welcomed Osasuna to Madrid on Friday looking for the three points to keep their European hopes alive.
The home side had the lead after seven minutes when Andrija Delibasic headed home from close range, but goals from Raoul Cedric Loe and Alejandro Arribas left Osasuna 2-1 ahead after 13 minutes.
Rayo were level early in the second period, however, when Piti was on hand to tap home from close range after good work from Alejandro Dominguez.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 33 in La Liga gets underway as Rayo Vallecano welcome Osasuna to the Spanish capital. The home side are still within a chance of securing European football this season, while Osasuna will just be content with another season in the division. Both are in need of the points, but for very different reasons.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won one of the last three matches, with the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, Osasuna were 1-0 winners in the reverse match at the beginning of the season, but Rayo thumped Osasuna on their own patch in the previous campaign. Can they repeat that result this evening?
Should Rayo pick up all three points this evening they would move level on points with seventh-placed Real Betis. They have had their wobbles in recent weeks, but it is hard not to be impressed with their position in the league table. If they can indeed secure a spot in the Europa League, it will be one of the success stories of the season.
They have picked up seven points from their last six matches, but they are without a win in two having lost to Real Sociedad on April 14 before picking up a 1-1 draw against struggling Real Mallorca last time out. However, they have been strong on their own patch this season, winning nine of their 16 league matches.
TEAMS:
RAYO: Ruben; Casado, Arbilla, Figueras, Galvez; Fuego, Trashorras, Piti, Dominguez; Delibasic, Lass
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Flano, Arribas, Silva; De las Cuevas, Cejudo, Nano, Timor; Loe, Nino
So there we have it. No Leo Baptistao for the home side, with the Brazilian breaking a collarbone last time out against Real Mallorca. Lass does start in attack, however, alongside Andrija Delibasic. Osasuna, meanwhile, name an attacking side with Nino and Nano paired in the final third, but there is no place for Joseba Llorente.
Osasuna currently occupy 15th position in the table. A run of one win from their last five matches has left them just four points outside of the drop zone. Usually at this stage of the season there are a couple of teams adrift at the bottom of the table, but that is simply not the case this time around. They are just five points off bottom.
Osasuna will not be able to call upon a strong away record this season, meanwhile, having won just three of their 15 matches on the road, losing nine times in the process. However, they have not fared much better on their own patch with just 20 points from 17 games. It has been a largely disappointing campaign for the club.
Taking a look at the statistics, it is not too difficult to see where Osasuna have struggled this season. They have scored just 26 league goals - comfortably the lowest total in the division. Rayo, meanwhile, have found the back of the net 41 times. That said, Osasuna have been tight defensively this season with just 36 goals conceded, the fourth-best record in the league, that is in contrast to Rayo who have conceded 52 goals.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither side is in a particularly good run of form, but I think Rayo will have too much on the night. I am backing a 2-1 home victory.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. No Leo for Rayo, but Delibasic and Lass both start in attack. Meanwhile, there are also starting spots for Piti and Roberto Trashorras. Osasuna name an attacking side, meanwhile, with Nino, Nano and Loe all selected. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Madrid.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is certainly a strong atmosphere. Decent start from the home side as Delibasic combines with Galvez before spinning behind the Osasuna defence, but Andres Fernandez is out to clear at the vital moment.
Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about in the opening four minutes with Rayo dominating possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive in this type of match. No real chances foe either side, but Rayo are in control of the ball.
Again Rayo threaten down the right as Lass collects possession before delivering a cross into the box, but it was always too high for Delibasic. Loe attempts to craft something down the other end as the Frenchman plucks a high ball out of the air before sliding a pass behind Arbilla, but Ruben is out to claim at the vital moment.
GOAL! Rayo 1-0 Osasuna (Delibasic)
First blood to Rayo! It's wonderful work from Lass as the winger beats two defenders before floating a cross into the box, Delibasic is first to react, with the striker turning his header into the back of the net. Poor defending from Osasuna, but it was smart work from Lass.
GOAL! Rayo 1-1 Osasuna (Loe)
Well, that lead did not last long! Osasuna are on terms almost immediately as Loe meets a corner from Cejudo before firing his header into the back of the net. I was just about to say that Osasuna need to stay in this match for the next five minutes or so, but they have done more than that.
Better from Osasuna in the last couple of moments as Cejudo fires a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for De las Cuevas. Rayo attack immediately down the other end with Delibasic, but Damia just does enough to force the corner. Explosive opening 11 minutes of football in the Spanish capital.
Another half-chance for the away side as Damia ventures forward from defence before firing a cross into the box, but Ruben was always comfortable dealing with the danger. Meanwhile, slightly scrappy last couple of moments with the referee forced into action to deal with a number of late challenges.
GOAL! Rayo 1-2 Osasuna (Arribas)
Osasuna lead! It has been coming. Again it arrives from a corner as Arribas thumps a powerful header into the back of the net from close range. Again it is really poor defending from Rayo, but ask the away supporters if they mind. Three goals in the opening 13 minutes.
CHANCE! It's all Osasuna at the moment as Loe finds De las Cuevas in the box, the Spaniard attempts to find the bottom corner, but Ruben is across to quell the danger. The home side simply cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment as we approach the 17th minute in the match.
It's a nasty one for Lass as the winger clashes with Damia, the stretcher is called, but he is able to walk off the pitch. Rayo attempt to force the issue moments later as Piti dances past two defenders, but Silva fells the Spaniard. The resulting free kick is taken by Fuego, but it comes to nothing.
Lass attempts to continue, but signals to the bench that he will have to depart. A half-chance comes to the home side moments later as Arbilla strikes an effort from outside the box, but Fernandez was always comfortable claiming the danger. Meanwhile, the change is made as Jose Carlos replaces Lass.
Osasuna force a half-chance with a free kick of their own, but Nano's low cross is cleared by Casado. Not too much in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but Rayo have started to enjoy more of the possession. The home supporters have been simply stunned with what they have seen in the opening 22 minutes.
The referee has seen too many challenges for his liking as he issues the yellow card to Osasuna midfielder Timor. There is an underlying ill-feeling in this match that is for certain. Osasuna again threaten down the right as Cejudo delivers a low cross into the box, but Ruben is out to claim under pressure from Nino.
The home supporters want a free kick just outside the box as Dominguez is challenged by Nano, but the referee is not interested. In fairness to the referee he has not jumped on every challenge thus far. However, the tempo has been interrupted by the succession of challenges. It remains 2-1 to Osasuna with 26 minutes on the clock.
Again it's bright work from Damia as the Osasuna right-back drives past two defenders before delivering a cross into the box, but Arbilla is across to clear the danger. De las Cuevas threatens down the other side moments later, but the same outcome arrives. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the middle of the pitch. Dominguez lets his frustration out once more, meanwhile, as another decision goes against him. Good pressure from the away side, but it does appear that the Rayo defence has settled after a poor opening.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments with Piti and Trashorras both enjoying touches of the ball, but they just cannot find a way through this stern Osasuna defence. However, I would be astounded if we did not see more goals this evening. Another low cross is fired in by Dominguez, but Fernandez is across to collect.
The opening 35 minutes of this match has just flown by. Not too much inspiration from the home side it must be said, but the supporters have started to find their voices. Osasuna create a half-chance as Loe slips a low pass towards Nano, but the Spaniard's effort is deflected wide by Casado.
Delibasic turns provider this time as he drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Fernandez is out to clear at the vital moment. Again Rayo build from the back moments later with Dominguez finding Fuego outside the box, but the Spaniard just cannot fashion enough room to open fire.
First real sign of Carlos for the home side as the substitute collects a loose ball in the box, but he decides against taking a shot, with Damia on hand to clear moments later. Neither side is particularly in control of the possession, meanwhile, with each exchanging periods with the ball.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Piti feeds a low ball towards Galvez, the Spaniard turns before drilling a low cross into the box, but Fernandez is on hand to turn wide. The resulting corner is whipped into the box, but the referee spots a foul on Silva. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.
It's really smart work from Piti as the Rayo skipper collects possession in the middle of the pitch before floating a delicious ball beyond Damia, but Carlos never had the pace to really trouble the Osasuna defence. The loss of Lass cannot be underestimated. Osasuna will be very content with their performance in the opening 44 minutes of football.
Not too much to report in the latter stages of the half with both sides seemingly preparing to enter the break level on terms. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Rayo 1-2 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Osasuna leading 2-1. A crazy six minutes brought all three goals, with Rayo taking the lead through Delibasic, before Loe and Arribas sent Osasuna 2-1 ahead. It has been an entertaining first half of football.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 68%, but they have managed just two attempts to Osasuna's four. In truth, aside from the goals, there have not been too many attacking opportunities. As it stands, Osasuna would open up a seven-point gap above the drop zone.
BENCH WATCH: Rayo have already been forced into an early change with Lass exiting in place of Carlos, who has struggled to make an impact thus far. However, Jemez still has the likes of Adrian, Raul Tamudo and Jordi Amat in reserve. Osasuna, meanwhile, could call upon the likes of Kike Sola and Joseba Llorente.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. Just a reminder that three points for Osasuna would all but end their relegation fears, while Rayo need the victory to keep their European hopes alive. Right, the home side get the half underway.
Excuse me, there was indeed a change at the interval with Adrian replacing Galvez for the home side. Bright start to the half from Rayo as Dominguez delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Fernandez is out to claim under pressure from Delibasic. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the final result.
Another half-chance for the home side as Dominguez finds Piti in the box, the Rayo skipper hits it first time, but it was always moving wide of the post. You would expect a player of his quality to test the goalkeeper from that angle. Osasuna just have not got started in the second period as Rayo continue to fire high balls into the box.
Again a cross into the penalty box causes Osasuna all sorts of problems, but Delibasic can only head over the crossbar from close range. The pressure continues moments later as Rayo force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Fernandez before Arbilla heads the second wide of the post.
CHANCE! It's bright work from Carlos as the Rayo striker collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards the bottom corner, but once more Fernandez is across to make the save. Surely their second will come if they continue to force the issue with such intent. Osasuna have hardly had the ball in the opening nine minutes of this half.
The home side want a penalty as Fernandez is chopped down in the box by Damia, but the referee is simply not interested. A corner is given, which is whipped into the box, but Fernandez comes to collect. For all the pressure, Rayo have not really tested Fernandez too often. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining.
Again it's good work from Fernandez as the Argentine delivers a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Carlos, who had made a late run into the box. Adrian attempts to meet a pass from Dominguez moments later, but the flag is raised. It appears that Osasuna could be readying their first change.
GOAL! Rayo 2-2 Osasuna (Piti)
Rayo level! In fairness it had been coming. Again Dominguez is involved as he bursts into the box before finding Piti, who has the simple task of finishing from close range. It has been all Rayo in the second period.
Osasuna do indeed make their first change of the match as Masoud replaces De las Cuevas. Masoud almost makes an immediate impact as he delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Loe cannot make contact under pressure from Casado. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining in this pulsating La Liga encounter.
CHANCE! Again Masoud is involved as he collects a pass from Nano before striking an effort from close range, but Ruben is across to make a fine save. It has taken that early goal for Osasuna to wake up in this match. Wonderful excitement in the Spanish capital.
Slightly sloppy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced into action to deal with a number of challenges. Piti takes a knock in a challenge with Silva, but the Rayo skipper is fit to continue. Meanwhile, Osasuna make their second change of the match as Lolo replaces Damia.
It is a surprise that Sola has not been called upon thus far this evening, but the Osasuna top scorer could yet make an impact. Both manages are very animated on the sidelines as they continue to wave their arms in frustration, but I simply could not speculate as to what is being said.
Neither side can get any sort of tempo to their play at the moment as the challenges continue to fly in. It's good work from Nano as the Spaniard drives a low cross into the Rayo box, but Loe just cannot make contact under pressure from Galvez. Little over 20 minutes of football to play in Madrid with the two sides level at 2-2.
Osasuna are certainly playing the better football at the moment with Cejudo and Nano seeing plenty of the ball, but they just cannot find that final pass into the box. Piti is involved down the other end moments later as he delivers a dangerous cross towards Carlos, but the offside flag is raised. Meanwhile, Osasuna are preparing their third change of the match.
There must be some sort of underlying story with Sola. He is Osasuna's best player by a country mile, but he will not be used this evening. Casado is down the right for Rayo moments later, but Loe is on hand to clear the driven cross. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Carlos meets a bouncing ball in the box, but his low effort is blocked by Flano. Piti delivers a low cross moments later, but it hits the side netting. Meanwhile, Osasuna do indeed make their third change of the match as Timor is replaced by Punal.
You just get the feeling that there is going to be one big chance in the remaining 10 minutes or so, but will it be taken? As it stands, Osasuna will certainly be the more content with the score. It would be another point clear of the relegation zone. However, there is still a lot of football to be played this evening.
Still one change remaining for the home side if Jemez decides that he wants another attacking option on the field. Again Dominguez is involved for the home side as he moves past two defenders before attempting to find the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the post.
One-way traffic at the moment as Rayo continue to force low crosses into the box, but Osasuna have defended well for the most part. Rayo do indeed make their third and final change of the match as Arbilla is replaced by Tito. Not the most inspiring of changes at this stage of the match.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Dominguez delivers a dangerous cross towards Delibasic, but instead of going for goal, the striker attempts to find Piti, who was never in the correct position. Little over five minutes of football remaining with the two sides still level at 2-2.
Slight bit of controversy as Rayo take a quick throw, which is initially allowed by the referee, but the linesman indicates that it was taken from the wrong position. Meanwhile, the tempo has just been slowed in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a host of late challenges. Will we have late drama here?
It's good work from Masoud as the Osasuna midfielder collects possession outside the box before beating two defenders, but his final pass towards Nino is just too short. Rayo continue to fire high balls into the opposition box, but Flano and Damia continue to be alert to the danger.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the middle third. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.
A long-range strike from Loe threatens to cause Ruben problems, but the Spanish goalkeeper was always in control. Rayo launch an attack down the other end moments later, but Dominguez tumbles at the final moment. Little under one minute remaining. If there is going to be a winner, it has to be now.
FULL-TIME: Rayo 2-2 Osasuna
So there we have it. Rayo and Osasuna share the points in a four-goal thriller in the Spanish capital. The result leaves Rayo in eighth spot in the table, while Osasuna remain 15th, but are now five points above the drop zone. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
