Villarreal 2 - Rayo Vallecano 1

Villarreal: Reina; Belletti, Quique Alvarez, Ballesteros, Arruabarrena; Guayre (Javi Venta 75'), Josico, Farinós (De Nigris 70'), Jorge López; Víctor (Calleja 60'), Palermo. 4-4-2.
Rayo: Segura; Mario (Bolic 90'), De Quintana, Onopko, Dorado; Mora (Helder 85'), Iriney; Peragón, Camuñas (Luis Cembranos 46'), Michel; Bolo. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Villarreal: Belletti for Galván / Rayo: Segura, De Quintana, Dorado, Mora, Camuñas, Bolo for Etxeberría, Corino, Graff, Pablo Sanz, Azkoitia, Bolic.

Goals:
1-0. 22. Guayre. Got ahead of Onopko to score after Segura blocked first shot.
1-1. 78. Luis Cembranos (penalty). After Peragón felled by Reina and Ballesteros.
2-1. 90. De Nigris. Headed over keeper after long cross from left.

Villarreal's new signing Toño De Nigris scored the winning goal on his debut to give Benito Floro's side a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. The Mexican striker had only joined the club midweek, but Floro brought him on for the last twenty minutes and he proved his worth with a headed goal in the last minute of the game. Guayre had given the locals the lead before the break after a mistake by Onopko had let him in, but Luis Cembranos levelled the scores with a second half penalty after Peragón had been bundled over by Reina and Ballesteros.

Villarreal showed little reaction though, and Gustavo Benítez was hopeful that his side were on their way to take their first point in three games when a hesitant defence let in De Nigris. The result leaves Benítez against the ropes after only five games in charge, and there is already talk of his being replaced. Rayo ended the weekend only a point above bottom club Recreativo, now six points away from safety. Villarreal move back up into the top half of the table, although they themselves are only three points above seventeenth placed Alavés.