La Liga: Atlético 5 – 0 Rayo Vallecano

Atleti tear Rayo apart in first Madrid Derby of the season

Atlético gave the crowd at the Vicente Calderón a show in the first home game of the 2013-14 campaign.

After the 1-3 victory over Sevilla, the Colchoneros continued their strong start to the season with a 5-0 thumping of Rayo de Vallecano.

The first derby of the season never really was a contest, as the visitors, with just two players returning from last season, lacked aggression and cohesion. Atleti was able to constantly abuse Rayo’s high line, and netted three times before the break.

Fifteen minutes into the game, Arda Turan missed the first chance of the game when his header was blocked. A few moments later, Raúl García had more luck with his header. RG8 headed in a corner kick taken by Gabi to give Atlético a well deserved lead.

But the Rojiblancos didn’t stop there, and continued their offensive initiative, leading to a second goal just five minutes later. Arda Turan made his way to the back line and found Diego Costa left completely unmarked. The Beast had an easy job finishing off the job from close range, even though goalkeeper Cobeño did get a hand to it.

Arda’s darting runs caused huge problems for Rayo, and coach Paco Jémez attempted to organize his defence by taking off right back Alejandro for Arbillo. However, within thirty seconds after the change, it was Arda Turan who made it 3-0 to decide the game. He received the ball after a beautiful quick break involving David Villa and Diego Costa, and after Arda comfortably went around Cobeño, he slotted the ball into the empty goal.

At the end of the half Diego Costa had an incredible opportunity to make it four, but instead of going for goal himself, he saw how his pass to strike partner David Villa was intervened.

After the break, Arda went on a dazzling run from his own half all the way to Rayo’s box, but just as he came face to face with Cobeño, the Turk lost his touch.

In the 54th minute Arda delivered his second assist of the night, when he found Tiago. The Portuguese midfielder, who got the nod over Mario Suárez, headed powerfully past Cobeño for 4-0.

After the fourth goal, Atleti finally took their foot off the gas. With the upcoming return leg of the Super Cup in mind, Simeone was happy with the chance to rest his key players. The only thing missing for Atlético was a goal for David Villa in his La Liga home debut, but when given the chance, El Guaje hit the crossbar from close range, after an incredible long pass by Raúl García and an immaculate cross by substitute Adrián.

For Rayo, there was just one bright spot, and even he was an Atlético player. Saúl Ñíguez got his second start of the season, and was one of few players in Jémez’ side to leave a positive impression. Shortly before the end, he tested Courtois with a shot from distance, which turned out to be Rayo’s one and only attempt on target of the game.

In the final minute of the game, Raúl García put the cherry on top. The midfielder completed his brace by tapping the ball into the back of the net from just a few yards out, after good work by Koke.

	Liga BBVA
	Vicente Calderon
	25 August 2013
	18:00 CET

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