Rayo Vallecano have moved up to fifth place in La Liga after beating Almeria 2-0 in Vallecas.
Home form will be vital if Andoni Iraola’s side are serious about pushing for a European spot and they have lost just three times at home this season.
Iraola is rumoured to be a target for Premier League side Leeds United, with the Basque coach tipped to replace Jesse Marsch at Elland Road, but he is focused on Rayo right now.
Both sides carved out chances in busy opening period on the night as Rayo goal keeper Stole Dimitrievski produced a crucial stop from Leo Baptistao.
What a save by Stole Dimitrievski 😯
📺 Watch #RayoAlmeria LIVE on #LaLigaTV via @ViaplaySportsUK & @primevideouk Channels! pic.twitter.com/Kd71xyhV1K
— LaLigaTV (@LaLigaTV) February 6, 2023
However, the hosts stepped up the tempo after the restart, as Rodrigo Ely diverted home Isi Palazon’s corner for a disastrous own goal.
Rayo get the breakthrough! ⚪🔴
A Rodrigo Ely own goal opens the scoring after some confusion from the corner 😬 pic.twitter.com/eVAYAXKExd
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) February 6, 2023
That changed the momentum of the contest as Palazon popped up to feed substitute Alvaro Garcia for the clincher just after the hour mark.
They're dreaming of European football at Vallecas! 🙌
An instant impact from Álvaro García off the bench to double Rayo Vallecano's lead ⚪🔴 pic.twitter.com/q3IJvgjmyM
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) February 6, 2023
Up next for Rayo is a weekend trip to neighbours Getafe as struggling Almeria host Real Betis.
Images via Getty Images