Rayo Vallecano win at fellow strugglers Almeria

A late goal from Alex Galvez has earned Rayo Vallecano a 1-0 win over Almeria in their bottom-of-the-table clash this afternoon.

Rayo survived the second-half dismissal of Saul Niguez to pick up just their third victory of the season, and one that takes them out of the La Liga relegation zone.

The visitors were thankful to a fine save from their goalkeeper Ruben Martinez on 32 minutes, as he kept out a header from Rodri at his near post, moments before Rayo hit the woodwork.

Jonathan Viera struck the post with a low drive from just inside of the area and the frame of the goal was also on hand to deny Almeria after the break, as Angel Trujillo's delivery from the right dipped and landed on the crossbar.

Niguez was sent off for a second yellow card on 65 minutes, but it was the team with the man down that went on to break the deadlock 10 minutes from time.

From a free kick 22 yards out, Galvez bent a curling shot into the top corner to earn Rayo their second straight win, which moves them six points clear of Almeria at the bottom.