Rayo Vallecano 0 - Real Sociedad 0

Rayo: Etxeberria; Mario, De Quintana, Onopko, Graff; Pablo Sanz (Camuñas 85'); Julio Alvarez, Quevedo, Michel, Peragón; Bolo (Bolic 70'). 4-1-4-1.
Real Sociedad: Westerveld; López Rekarte, Jauregi, Schürrer, Aranzábal; Xabi Alonso, Boris; Karpin, Khokhlov, Gabilondo; Kovacevic. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Rayo: De Quintana, Pablo Sanz, Quevedo, Michel for Corino, Mainz, Azkoitia, Mora / Real: Boris, Khokhlov, Gabilondo for Aranburu, Nihat, De Pedro.

Goals: None.

Real Sociedad held on to top spot after drawing 0-0 at Rayo Vallecano. The leaders were concerned about this game, having not won in Vallecas in thirteen years, and the small dimensions of the pitch meant they were not able to use the flanks as much as they would like. They were also missing one of their inspirational players this season, Nihat, and with De Pedro also injured, Raynald Denoueix brought back Khoklov and Gabilondo. After four defeats in a row Fernando Vázquez changed his side around, switching Onopko to the centre of defence and bringing in four new men, including Michel who was making his first start for seven months having recovered from his Achilles tendon injury.

Rayo started enthusiastically, and within the first two minutes they managed three shots at goal, with Peragón in the thick of things. Real pulled themselves together, pushing forward their lines, and Gabilondo brought a good save out of Etxeberria. But Rayo came close to taking the lead before the break, headers from both Quevedo and De Quintana brushing the bar.

The rains came down heavily in the second half, but the well organised defences kept a lid on their opposing attackers, limiting them to long speculative shots which did not trouble either keeper. Karpin and Schurrer tried for the visitors, and Peragón and Quevedo replied for the home side. Eventually though they settled for a point apiece, which at least keeps up the Basque side's unbeaten record, and ends the run of defeats for the men of Fernando Vázquez. Depending on Sunday's games though, Real could lose top spot to Mallorca and Rayo could be in the relegation zone. Not very satisfactory for either side.