Rayo Vallecano 3 - 0 Celta Vigo: First-half blitz from Rayo Vallecano shocks Celta Vigo

Rayo Vallecano claimed a vital Primera Division lifeline by stunning Celta Vigo 3-0 to end a nine-game rut without a league victory.

Miku, Tito and Jozabed wrested total control for the struggling hosts with first-half goals to leave fifth-placed Celta Vigo with precious few answers.

Vallecano had not won in the league since a 2-1 victory at Granada on November 7, but quickly set about overturning the odds on Saturday night.

Just their fifth victory in 21 matches, the three points moved manager Paco Jemez's embattled side out of the relegation zone.

Venezuela striker Miku fired the hosts into the early lead, before Tito doubled the advantage just five minutes later.

The defender nodded home Roberto Trashorras' cross, as the home side cemented their advantage.

Midfielder Trashorras turned provider again, whipping another dangerous cross that this time Jozabed converted.

Vigo had few answers to Trashorras' set-play delivery, with Vallecano powering to a victory that will offer a significant boost in their battle to avoid the drop as they moved out of the bottom three.

Jemez's side face Deportivo next, before a potential six-pointer against fellow strugglers Las Palmas.

While the size of this victory will send waves of surprise across the division, Vallecano will now look to seize on the momentum and climb away from danger.

Given Rayo were hammered 10-2 by Real Madrid as recently as December 20, any kind of upward movement will be heartily accepted by the strugglers.