Good afternoon, and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Rayo Vallecano v Atletico Madrid.

Simeone has refrained from making any changes at the break. He has been known to do that, so Torres has been spared somewhat. The striker needs to show more cutting edge.

The second half is under way! It's still goalless between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid.

What did you make of the first half? Does Simeone need to hook Torres at the break? Are Atletico Madrid doing enough to control the game in the centre of the field? Tweet me!

HALF-TIME: Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Atletico Madrid. Rayo conceded 10 in their last match in La Liga, but they have kept things much tighter tonight. Although they are still staying true to their gung-ho roots.

YELLOW CARD: Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)

The home side are building some momentum. They win a corner kick and are set to throw up everyone they can. You have to love Rayo Vallecano. They're so naive it's endearing.

This has been an entertaining match so far, but there has been a distinct lack of quality from both sides. It has been a scrappy affair, with not much fluidity in the attacking areas.

Simeone has taken Koke over to the touchline to relay some instructions to the midfielder. Could he be asking him to take more control in the centre of the pitch? More patience?

Although they are missing the energy and productivity of Filipe Luis down the left wing. The full-back is suspended for this one, and while Gamez is an able deputy, he doens't bring the same threat.

Atletico Madrid look to be back to their defensive best this season. Last year they lost some of that assurance at the back, but with Godin and Gimenez they have a solid basis once more.

That chance is a warning sign for Atletico Madrid. As much as they have been the better side, Rayo Vallecano can create opportunities, even against the very best teams. They are dangerous.

GREAT EFFORT FROM GUERRA! There didn't seem to be much on for the Rayo Vallecano striker, but he took the ball down inside the area and fired a low shot towards goal. Oblak had to make the smart save.

With half-time now on the horizon, Simeone will surely be a little frustrated that his side haven't made the breakthrough yet. The game has been open enough, and they have had their chances!

Are Rayo Vallecano time wasting already? The referee believes so. He has shown Yoel a yellow card for taking too long from the goal kick. That was harsh, if you ask me.

YELLOW CARD: Yoel Rodriguez (Rayo Vallecano)

That home defence looks somewhat rattled whenever the ball is chucked into the penalty area. This time a clearance bounces off Manucho and out for a corner kick. D'oh!

After a whirlwind past 15 minutes or so, Rayo Vallecano are taking the opportunity to spray the ball around the defence and into the midfield. Not that they are going anywhere, though...

Torres actually did everything right there. He wasn't favourite to win the ball when it came over the top, but he did really well to win it and control it before shooting at goal. Unlucky.

TORRES IS DENIED HIS 100TH GOAL! The striker takes down the long ball over the top well, and fires a bouncing shot towards goal - but Yoel stands up and pushes the effort over the bar.

Although Simeone denies that his side are targeting the title this season. He insists that the top four is the aim for his side, but nobody believes him. Atletico Madrid are better than that.

Atletico Madrid missed the chance to go top of La Liga before Christmas, with Barcelona away on duty at the Club World Cup, but they are very much part of the title race this season.