Rayo 1-0 Alavés: results, summary and goals
A great goal from Sergio Camello in the 20th minute was enough to give Rayo Vallecano a 1-0 win over Alavés at the Estadio de Vallecas.
The result leaves Rayo in 11th place in the LaLiga standings, while Alavés remain bottom of the table.
Rayo started the game brightly and took the lead through Camello's fine strike, but Alavés improved after the break and came close to grabbing an equaliser on several occasions, but they were unable to find a way past the excellent Stole Dimitrievski in the Rayo goal.
The win is a welcome boost for Rayo, who had lost their previous two games. For Alavés, it is another setback in their bid to avoid relegation.
Rayo came into the game in confident mood after their impressive recent form. They had won four of their last six games and were unbeaten in their last five at home.
Alavés, on the other hand, were in desperate need of a win after losing their last three games. They had also failed to score in their last two matches.
The game started at a high tempo, with both teams looking to attack. Rayo were the more dangerous side in the early stages, and they took the lead through Camello's goal.
The goal came in the 20th minute. Isi Palazón played a delightful ball over the top of the Alavés defence, and Camello controlled the ball well before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
Alavés tried to respond, but they were unable to create any clear-cut chances. Rayo were happy to sit back and defend their lead, and they did so comfortably for the rest of the first half.
Alavés improved after the break and should have equalised in the 55th minute. Luis Rioja was played through on goal, but he fired his shot wide of the post.
Alavés continued to press for an equaliser, but they were unable to find a way past Dimitrievski. The Rayo goalkeeper made several excellent saves to keep his team's lead intact.
Rayo held on for a deserved win, which gives them a much-needed boost in their bid to finish in the top half of the table. For Alavés, the defeat is a major setback, and they now look certain to be relegated to the Segunda División.
Rayo will be back in action on Sunday, when they travel to face Real Madrid. Alavés will also be in action on Sunday, when they host Mallorca.
