Rayo Vallecano eased seven points clear of the LaLiga relegation zone after edging Elche 1-0, also recording their fourth consecutive home victory in this head-to-head.

Following an important win over fellow strugglers Mallorca before the international break, Elche started brightly and nearly opened the scoring straight from kick-off. However, Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla reacted quickly at his near post to deny Rafa Mir.

The hosts responded with an effort of their own, as Álvaro García struck directly at Matías Dituro. Mir remained a constant threat, testing Batalla again just before the 15-minute mark with another effort that was comfortably handled.

Elche’s leading scorer continued to press, registering his third shot on target in the 18th minute with a curling attempt that Batalla managed to keep out. Despite Elche creating the better chances early on, it was Rayo who should have taken the lead after 34 minutes.

Played through by Alemao’s incisive pass, García opted to shoot first time instead of taking a touch, but the decision didn’t pay off as he blazed his effort well over the crossbar. An action-packed first half concluded with Elche reduced to 10 men, as captain Pedro Bigas received his second yellow card for a high challenge on Óscar Valentín.

The dismissal prompted Elche boss Eder Sarabia to reshuffle at the break, with Rafa Mir making way for Adrià Pedrosa. The substitute nearly made an instant impact, but his close-range attempt failed to truly trouble Batalla.

After the hour mark, Pep Chavarría tested Matías Dituro with a stronger effort, and Rayo’s growing pressure eventually paid off. Less than 10 minutes after entering the pitch, Randy Nteka rose ahead of his marker to meet García’s dangerous ball into the six-yard box, guiding it past Dituro to score his first goal for the club since January 2025.

The goal sealed what could be Rayo’s most important three points of the season, easing their relegation concerns ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League quarter-final. Meanwhile, Elche’s sixth consecutive away league defeat leaves them just two points above the drop zone, with the risk of slipping further if Mallorca and Levante pick up results later in the weekend.