Rayo Vallecano 3 - 1 Levante: Rayo Vallecano relegated despite win on final day - 7M sport

Rayo Vallecano 3 - 1 Levante: Rayo Vallecano relegated despite win on final day



Posted Monday, May 16, 2016 by PA

Rayo Vallecano were relegated from the Primera Division after five years in the top flight despite beating Levante 3-1 on the final day of the season.

Sporting Gijon's 2-0 win over Villarreal condemned Paco Jemez's side to a return to the Segunda Division.

An impressive strike from Pablo Hernandez put Rayo ahead in the 11th minute and Jozabed deflected in an effort from captain Roberto Trashorras to make it 2-0 in the 23rd.

Verza reduced the deficit for Levante from the penalty spot but Rayo substitute Miku restored the two-goal cushion from close range, although by then news that Sporting were ahead against Villarreal had filtered through.

Rayo finish the season 18th in the table on 38 points, one below Sporting, who take the final spot outside the relegation zone. Getafe were also relegated, finishing 19th after losing 2-1 at Real Betis.

Rayo went into the game second from bottom, needing a victory and for neither Sporting nor Getafe to win their respective matches if they were to survive.

After a slow start the home side took the lead thanks to a brilliant display of technique from former Swansea midfielder Hernandez, who swivelled to meet a loose ball first time from outside the box, sending it low past Diego Marino and into the near corner.

Trashorras said during the week "I would put my hand in the fire for this team", as he led the squad in denying match-fixing allegations relating to their defeat last week to Real Sociedad, and it was from his shot that they doubled their lead - though Jozabed was credited with the goal as his inadvertent touch left Marino flummoxed.

Ruben Garcia won a soft penalty after being tugged by Antonio Amaya and Verza converted with a powerful spot-kick, only for Miku to convert Bebe's cross at the far post from a couple of yards out.



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