Rayo Vallecano 1 - Celta 0

Rayo: Lopetegui; Cota (Hernández 62'), De Quintana, Corino, Alcázar (Ferrón 75'); Pablo Sanz, Helder; Peragón, Vivar Dorado, Graff; Bolic (Bolo 66'). 4-2-3-1.
Celta: Pinto; Méndez, Cáceres (Edu 68'), Sergio, Velasco; Luccin, Giovanella; Karpin (Jesuli 46'), Mostovoi, Gustavo López (Maurice 75'); Catanha. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Rayo: Lopetegui, Cota, De Quintana, Helder, Bolic for Imanol Etxeberria, Quevedo, Ferrón, Azkoitia, Bolo / Celta: Pinto, Velasco, Giovanella for Cavallero, Juanfran, Jesuli.

Goals:
1-0. 86. Peragón. Following up after Helder hit post with shot from right.

Celta threw away any hope of qualifying for the Champions League spots after losing their last match of the season at Rayo Vallecano. Their defeat last week at home to Sevilla meant that they needed a victory here together with a win for already relegated Zaragoza against Barcelona to snatch fourth spot, a lot to hope for. Nevertheless Víctor Fernández went for broke in what was probably his last match in charge of the Vigo based side, putting out his strongest available line up, with Velasco returning from a long lay off to cover for the injured Sylvinho and Juanfran at left back. They were however up against a Rayo Vallecano side who were looking for a record fifth win in a row, and although Manzano included three players who were playing their last game for the club, Lopetegui, Cota and Alcázar, they were not going to be a push over.

The match was a game of chess between two grand masters, with Víctor throwing his attacking pieces forward and Manzano packing the centre of the board to frustrate his opponent's moves. Mostovoi was the inspiration for the visitors, but his front man Catanha was having a bad day, and the Hispano-Brazilian striker failed to take advantage of two or three opportunities presented to him in the first half. After the break Mostovoi tried himself but could only find the woodwork, and with the game petering out to a draw Helder found space to shoot against the bar, and Peragón followed up to give his side yet another victory to take them up to an eleventh spot that six months ago was just a dream. Manzano may probably leave this summer and could even take over from his opposite number at Celta, but his work has been excellent and his CV has been enhanced by his success over the last few months. Celta's consolation is a place in the UEFA cup once again, but one can't help thinking that with a bit more resolve they could be made it to the top four this year. Always the blushing bridesmaid....