Rayo Vallecano 2 - 1 Granada CF: Javi Guerra double earns win for 10-man Rayo Vallecano

Javi Guerra continued his excellent goalscoring form by firing 10-man Rayo Vallecano to a 2-1 win over struggling Granada in Vallecas.

The striker scored twice in the opening 10 minutes to put Paco Jemez's men in charge against former Rayo boss Jose Ramon Sandoval's side, who pulled a goal back in the second half through Jean-Sylvester Babin.

Even though the visitors played the majority of the game with an extra man following Ze Castro's dismissal on 19 minutes, they were unable to find an equaliser and stay second bottom of the Primera Division, on seven points and still without a win since August.

The hosts got off to a flying start when former Swansea player Pablo Hernandez went for goal but saw his shot saved by Andres Fernandez, only for former Cardiff player Guerra to pounce on the rebound.

The 32-year-old was soon celebrating again as Bebe came down the right to cross into the box and allow Guerra to score his eighth goal in as many games from close range.

Rayo's comfortable lead was endangered by the naivety of Castro, who picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Javi Marquez.

Babin gave the visitors hope of a comeback by heading home a corner from former Rayo winger Piti, but his side struggled to cause any more alarm for either Rayo goalkeeper Tono or his replacement Juan Carlos, the latter coming on after Tono was stretchered off with a knee injury.