Paco Jemez refuses to condemn Rayo Vallecano display

Rayo Vallecano boss Paco Jemez has refused to be critical of his players after their 6-1 defeat to Barcelona on Sunday.

The home side had Tito sent off nine minutes into the second period as the Catalan giants ran riot to leapfrog Real Madrid at the top of La Liga table, but Jemez was pleased with his players' efforts nonetheless.

He told reporters: "I'm very satisfied with what my team have done.

"The lads have played with absolute body and soul. They were shattered at the end. When it was 11 against 11, we were worthy competitors.

"It's difficult to say you are satisfied when you've conceded six goals but that's the case here. There's a big gap between ourselves and Barcelona."

The defeat leaves Rayo 11th in Spain's top division.