Rayo Vallecano 0 : 1 Atletico de Madrid - Falcao effort enough for Atletico

Falcao capitalised on some crazy keeping to earn Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory at Rayo Vallecano in the Primera Division.

The Colombian was left with an easy finish in the 64th minute after Rayo goalkeeper David Cobeno had come way off limits in an unlikely attempt to get to the ball ahead of his opponent.

The win reignited the visitors' European hopes following a run of three defeats in four, leaving them ninth, but just one point behind sixth-placed Osasuna

The hosts threatened first when Jose Movilla tried his luck from 25 yards and saw his shot turned over by Thibaut Courtois.

At the other end Falcao met Adrian's cross six yards out only for Cobeno to make a save with his feet.

Cobeno came to the hosts' rescue again when he tipped a Filipe Luis shot from the left side of the area round the post.

Courtois was just as agile shortly before the half-hour mark with a brilliant block from to keep out Raul Tamudo's close-range header.

But Cobeno undid his good work in the first half with a moment of madness 19 minutes into the second.

The keeper came haring out of his area in an attempt to get to the ball ahead of Falcao as the striker ran on to a pass down the right.

But the Colombian got there first and nicked the ball past Cobeno before stroking the ball low into the empty net from outside the area.

Michu looked to get Rayo back on level terms, but Courtois save his 20-yard shot despite a fumble.

Diego then had a short parried by Cobeno as Atletico looked to make the game safe and they held on without further scares to get their European hopes back on track.