Rayo hold out against Celta

Rayo Vallecano had to wait four rounds for the win, but on matchday 12 of the Liga BBVA they defeated RC Celta. Paco Jémez’s 1-0 victory opens up a gap with the bottom spots in the table and leaves the Galicians just short of the European places.

The character of the two teams promised a game full of excitement and football, which was obvious in the early stages with either team looking likely to score. The two goalkeepers both featured prominently, until Alberto Bueno got on the end of a good cross from Kakuta to make the Vallecas Stadium erupt.

With a one-goal lead, the Madrid side closed up shop to prevent Celta from deploying their best attacking weapons. It was the former Rayo man Joaquín Larrivey who had the best chances for the team in blue, who went into half time knowing they needed to equalise as soon as possible to at least go away with a point.

The second half featured long shots and less frills. Eduardo Berizzo's men looked desperately for the goal that would level the match, and Rayo utilised their forwards Leo Baptistão and Manucho to stop their opponents taking off. The attacking play of the two sides led to an open game that ended 1-0.