Rayo Vallecano have moved up to fifth place in La Liga

Andoni Iraola's team has only lost three games at home this year, which is crucial if they are to compete for a European position. Iraola is reportedly a target for Leeds United of the Premier League; the Basque coach is expected to take Jesse Marsch's position at Elland Road, but for the time being, he is concentrating on Rayo. In the hectic first quarter of the game, both teams created opportunities, and Rayo goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski made a critical save on Leo Baptistao.

After the break, though, the hosts picked up the pace when Rodrigo Ely fumbled Isi Palazon's corner and scored a terrible own goal. Just after the hour mark, Palazon sprang up to feed replacement Alvaro Garcia for the game-winning goal, altering the total direction of the match.