POST MATCH: Rayo Vallecano keep La Liga survival hopes alive

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.

La Liga - Club News