Rayo remain unstoppable in Vallecas

Rayo Vallecano beat Málaga CF 1-0 in matchday 28 of the Liga BBVA. A solitary goal by Gaël Kakuta gave the Madrid side all three points, prolonging their impressive run of form at home and taking them even further away from the relegation zone. Málaga meanwhile lose a bit of momentum in their push to qualify for the Europa League.

Rayo made a stronger start to Málaga but as the minutes passed the visitors started to react and created the first chance of the game, which fell to Samu Castillejo. But Rayo broke the deadlock through Kakuta, who headed a cross from Alberto Bueno in at the far post. The goal gave Rayo more confidence and they exerted greater control on the game, keeping the ball for long periods and leaving Málaga with few opportunities to attack. The only downside for Rayo in the game was the injury to Léo Baptistão, who had to be replaced by Manucho.

Rayo got into the dressing room at half-time still clinging onto their slender lead and in the second half Javi Gracia’s side sought to react but instead the first chance after the break fell to Bueno, with Carlos Kameni pushing the ball out for a corner. The Andalusian side were more active in attack but Rayo’s strong defence kept them at bay. The visitors hopes of getting back into the game were dealt a setback when Marcos Angeleri was sent off for a second yellow card with a quarter of an hour remaining, and in the end the three points stayed in Vallecas, giving Rayo an important points cushion above the relegation zone.