Rayo Vallecano 2 - 1 Villarreal: Miku winner sinks Villarreal and boosts Rayo survival hopes

Rayo Vallecano moved five points clear of the Primera Division relegation zone after a fine Miku header sealed a 2-1 home victory over Villarreal.

Miku showed great technique in the 81st minute as he diverted the ball in from Tito's cross.

The 16th-placed hosts had initially gone in front in the seventh minute via Javi Guerra's close-range effort, with Villarreal - who look destined to finish in their current position of fourth - subsequently pulling level through a Adrian's delightful 20th-minute finish.

The opener came when Miku had a shot parried by Alphonse Areola and Guerra reacted first to bundle home his 11th goal of the season.

Villarreal tried to hit back as Alfonso had a shot gathered by Juan Carlos, and at the other end a dangerous Bebe delivery sailed across the face of goal with no-one able to finish it off.

Soon after, a moment of class saw the Yellow Submarine equalise, with Jonathan dos Santos' deft, floated pass being met first time by Adrian, who guided the ball right-footed beyond Juan Carlos.

Rayo pressed again as Diego Llorente and Bebe made unsuccessful attempts on goal and, after Denis Suarez lashed a shot over Juan Carlos' net, Miku headed a decent chance off-target.

There was less attacking action in the second half, but what there was came predominantly from the home side and they were rewarded late on when Miku did excellently to direct his header in from a considerable distance.