Atletico Madrid v Rayo Vallecano LIVE - Updates from Wanda Metropolitano as Atleti look to leapfrog Barcelona with win

... from Rayo here. They've just launched two long balls consecutively with no success, and they're not offering anything to worry the hosts here.

Thomas Lemar is replaced by Yannick Carrasco due to an injury.

Atleti have nearly all of their players in the box, and Balliu takes advantage of the space he has on the ball, lashing a shot at Grbic, who gets two good fists behind it.

Falcao's first touch out of the sky is exquisite as he goes for a ridiculous effort from 35 yards, but he's nowhere near the target.

Griezmann looks lively in the right channel as he breaks free and looks for the pull-back, but Dimitrievski gathers at the second time of asking.

What did I say about the Catena and Morata duel? The centre-back fouls the striker as he looks to hold up the play, and the hosts have a free kick.

Palazon's delivery is poor and clearly well at the near post, as is his second cross. Rayo haven't made any of their half-decent opportunities count as of yet.

And what a terrible game this has been so far. Atleti may lead, but neither side has had a real clear-cut chance.

Reinildo is being very cautious on the left for Atleti, basically acting as a third centre-back in possession. Molina, however, is the flying wing-back on the other flank.

That's the story of both sides so far, as neither have really been that great on the ball. We await improvements.

... from the hosts, now, as they look to turn the screw. Their press is more urgent now, but for the moment Rayo come forward, with a Garcia cross that Jimenez scrambles clear.

That's what big teams do to you.

Atleti are finally ahead, and the commentator's curse hits me.

It's Alvaro Morata, who rattles home after a good press; Griezmann won the ball back, sought out Morata, who fired into the far corner.

Atleti have really started slowly here. There's no real urgency yet to get that first goal, but they come forward well with Molina..,

A decent Griezmann delivery is flicked on by Kondogbia, but there's no-one there to poke home as the score stays goalless!

... at the front post by Falcao, but Ateti come again.

Ciss concedes a foul in a dangerous area, and Lemar sends in a decent delivery which is dealt with well by Valentin, who concedes the corner.

Palazon is nudged to the ground by Morata.

Isi Palazon goes for a speculative effort as he drives in off the right, striking through the legs of Kondogbia, but it's gathered at the second attempt by Grbic under close scrutiny from Falcao.

Falcao is down after he's wrestled to the ground by Savic under the high ball. Iraola is not happy, and neither are his players.

... as opposed to if for Atleti, especially based on the first eight minutes here. They're in control already, and you wonder when they'll eventually break the deadlock.