Julián Álvarez who opened scoring in the game clinched a victory by closing scoring with a tremendous stoppage-time volley giving Atletico Madrid a 3-2 victory over their guests.
This result move Simeone’s side up to ninth place with 9 points in the league standings while also providing momentum for their Madrid derby on Saturday.
Prior to the game, Atletico de Madrid had not lost any of their last 16 matches against Rayo Vallecano in the La Liga which was their longest unbeaten run against Vallecano. This win only extends that streak. In addition, Atletico had only picked up just six points from their first five league games this season, their lowest tally at this stage of the competition since2009/10 under Abel Resino.
On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano had lost ten of their last eleven away games at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano dating back to their last league win in August 1999 under manager Juande Ramos.
Lineups
Atletico had Oblak in goal with Molina, Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko and Galan on the back line. In midfield were Barrios, Koke and Gallagher while Griezmann and Alvarez led the attack.
Rayo Vallecano had Batalla behind a defensive line of Chavarria, Vertrowd, Lejeune and Balliu. Perez, López, Valentin and Ratiu came in midfield behind attackers Alernão and Palazón.
Overview
Striker Julian Alvarez opened scoring in the 19th minute with the aid of Llorente. Rayo Vallecano replied just before the halftime whistle through defender Pep Chavarria who was led on by López.
The second half was on the way with both sides making tremendous attempts at goal. The visitors got the first breakthrough when midfielder Álvaro García Rivera received a ball from Palazon and tucked it nicely into the back of the net in the 77th minute.
Keeping hope alive, Atletico replied with a substitution bringing on defender Marc Pubill for midfielder Conor Gallagher. They were rewarded a minute later in the the 80th minute through the solo effort of striker Julián Alvarez.
With just two minutes left of regular time left the striker found the back of the net for the third time giving his side the much needed win.
Atletico Madrid will welcome Real Madrid next weekend for the El Classico Madrid derby while Rayo Vallecano host 12th placed Sevilla on Sunday.
