And we're under way! It's Rayo Vallecano against Atletico Madrid, as the Liga champions start their title defence.

Atletico obviously proved their critics wrong last season, but Rayo also overachieved, finishing 12th in the league on one of La Liga's lowest budgets. Can they repeat that feat this year?

Juanfran swings a cross into the box from his position in the right back role, looking for the run of new frontman Mandzukic, but Alvarez comes off his line to claim with ease. Good first touch for the keeper.

Rayo look a little nervous early on, which I suppose is natural. Atletico get in your faces right from the start. They don't give you any time on the ball to think. It's intimidating to come up against.

There was a change to the Atletico lineup after the warm-up. Siquiera was injured and has been replaced in the right back position by Ansaldi. Jimenez has also been handed his first start by Simeone.

TEAM NEWS: Rayo Vallecano - Alvarez, Tito, Ze Castro, Abdoulaye, Quni, Trashorras, Baena, Bueno, Aquino, Kakuta, Pereira. /// Atletico Madrid - Moya, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira, Mario, Gabi, Koke, Griezmann, Jimenez, Mandzukic.

The defence of Atletico Madrid's league title win last season begins. Simeone insists that his side are fighting for third place this season, but he doesn't truly believe that, does he? I don't believe him.