Rayo Vallecano 2 - Real Sociedad 1

Rayo: Joseba Etxeberria; Cota, Corino, De Quintana, Alcázar; Pablo Sanz (Roy 83'), Helder; Peragón, Luis Cembranos (Arteaga 77'), Michel; Bolo (Bolic 68'). 4-2-3-1.
Real Sociedad: Alberto; López Rekarte, Loren, Luiz Alberto, Aranzábal; Aranburu (De Pedro 75'), Xabi Alonso; Tayfun, Khokhlov (Barkero 70'), Gabilondo; Jankauskas (De Paula 60'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Rayo: Etxeberria, Cota, Pablo Sanz, Helder, Peragón, Luis Cembranos, Bolo for Lopetegui, Graff, Quevedo, Roy, Glaucio, Arteaga, Bolic / Real: Aranburu, Xabi Alonso, Khokhlov, Jankauskas for Idiakez, Barkero, De Paula, Demetradze.

Goals:
1-0. 22. Pablo Sanz. Header unmarked on far post after corner from right.
1-1. 37. Gabilondo. Far post header from Tayfun's cross.
2-1. 54. Luis Cembranos. Headed down past keeper after another corner.

The bottom of the table clash between Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad ended 2-1 in favour of the Gregorio Manzano's team, leaving John Toshack's side with their worst ever record at this stage of the season. Pablo Sanz put Rayo in front in the first half, and although Gabilondo levelled the scores before the break with his third in as many matches, Luis Cembranos took advantage of slack defending to re-establish the lead.

Etxeberria saved the day with a point blank save from Khokhlov immediately after the goal, and Michel hit the bar with a shot in the last minute. Rayo's first victory this season coincided with the return of their captain Cota for the first time in several months, and the win takes them to within a point of Mallorca and two points clear of their rivals. Toshack's position is apparently safe at the moment, although Real could move to sign a new coach and move the Welshman upstairs as originally planned at the start of the season. Ex Zaragoza manager Lillo is the favourite at the moment, although the club denies it.