Rayo Vallecano vs RCD Espanyol

Rayo Vallecano earned a vital 1-0 win over Espanyol at Vallecas on matchday 33, a result that could prove crucial in the battle to stay in La Liga. Espanyol were handed a golden opportunity in the 75th minute when a penalty was awarded their way. Kike García stepped up, but goalkeeper Dani Cárdenas produced a superb save to deny the visitors what would have been a precious lead. Rayo made them pay. Ilias Akhomach drove forward and threaded a perfectly-weighted through ball to Sergio Camello, who kept his composure and slotted low through Dmitrovic's legs in the 87th minute to send Vallecas into raptures. The three points lift Rayo level with Espanyol at 38 points, offering real breathing room in the relegation fight. For Espanyol, it extends a winless run to 15 La Liga matches — a crisis that is growing harder to arrest with each passing week.