By Scott Mills, Reporter, LaLigaNews
Rayo Vallecano 1-3 Malaga
Rayo Vallecano: Piti (PK) 31′.
Malaga: Weligton 21′, Baptista 55′, Morales 86′.
Malaga temporarily reclaimed fourth spot with a 3-1 victory at Rayo Vallecano as they continue their fight for European football next season.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men took the lead in the 21st minute when Weligton found himself unmarked in the area to head in a superb cross from the very impressive new signing Pedro Morales.
It didn’t take long before Rayo drew level, when right back Tito timed his run perfectly to beat the Malaga back line and was then brought down by Malaga’s goalkeeper Willy Caballero earning his side a penalty, which their Captain Peli slammed home to equalise.
Jose Carlos then missed a glorious chance to give the home side the lead shortly before half time when he saw his header go wide of the goal.
Soon after Rayo were once again denied by Caballero, when Lass’s shot was saved by the Argentine and could only hit the rebound into the side netting.
Within 10 minutes of the restart, Malaga restored their lead with the ever present Morales delivering yet another fine cross, this time from a corner for former Real Madrid forward Julio Baptista to head home his first goal since October 2011.
Rayo’s heads appeared to have dropped after that goal, seeing their creativity starting to fizzle out, as Malaga began to impose themselves on the match for the first time.
Baptista was soon presented with an easy chance to double his tally, slicing his shot well wide of the goal after a superb cut back from Joaquin.
Morales then wrapped the points up with a superb finish to cap off a marvellous man of the match worthy performance on his debut for the club.
The win was Malaga’s first in five matches, giving them a boost to their European ambitions whilst Rayo remain in ninth place.
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