Espanyol have hammered Rayo Vallecano 4-1 after the home side were reduced to 10 men.
The visitors from Barcelona began the match well, with Hector Moreno heading just over from a cross. Rayo then went up the other end, but Saul Niguez's shot was high and wide.
The first half then exploded into life with 25 minutes gone. Rayo's goalkeeper, Ruben, conceded a penalty and was sent off. Sergio Garcia stepped up and slotted the ball in to make it 1-0.
Roberto Trashorras tried to draw his team level minutes later, but his effort from inside the box was saved.
The away side doubled their lead six minutes into the second half, and again it was Garcia who found the net with his second penalty of the day.
Jonathan Viera had a shot blocked for the home side, but it was Espanyol who almost made it three, Christian Stuani forcing David Cobeno into a save.
Rayo pulled a goal back through Niguez, but the joy was short-lived as Garcia grabbed his hat-trick and then Stuani slammed in for 4-1.
Gary Peters
