Elche have climbed out of La Liga's relegation places after securing a 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in this evening's clash at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
The first concrete chance of the game fell to the hosts on the quarter-hour mark as Victor Rodriguez sent a cross towards Jonathas, but the Brazilian headed over.
Three minutes later, the visitors countered through Roberto Trashorras, who collected a Gael Kakuta ball before lashing it wide.
The deadlock was broken midway through the first half as Damian Suarez emphatically smashed the ball into the top corner from 35 yards.
Despite the occasional foray into the box by Rayo, the visitors found themselves at a disadvantage when Jose Baena was sent off in the 76th minute after being shown two quickfire yellow cards.
The hosts then killed the game off with seven minutes left to play, Garry Rodrigues collecting a pass from Faycal Fajr before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Elche are now 17th in La Liga, while Rayo Vallecano are in 15th place.
Giuseppe Labellarte
