Rayo Vallecano have given their hopes of avoiding La Liga relegation a huge boost with a fantatic 1-0 win at home to Real Madrid – their first league win over their cross-city rivals in 22 years.
Paco Jemez's side are now six points away from safety, with three games to play in the 2018-19 season, after an electric night in Vallecas.
In a first half where both goal keepers were tested, the game turned on 22 minutes, with referee Gonzalez Fuertes taking centre stage.
He originally ruled out a penalty, after Jesus Vallejo hauled down Javi Guerra, but after two VAR checks he eventually awarded the spot kick – which Adri Embarba duly converted.
Rayo dominated after the break, as Real Madrid struggled to get a foothold in the game in front of a loud home support, with Gareth Bale and Mariano Diaz both wasting good chances.
The hosts almost grabbed a second goal late on, but Thibaut Courtois saved well from Guerra and former Manchester City forward Jose Pozo in the dying stages.
