Rayo Vallecano have leapfrogged Levante into fifth place in La Liga courtesy of a 3-1 win at home to Getafe.
The visitors missed the chance to draw within a point of Paco Jemez's men, and will have Michel suspended for their next three games after he saw red with 15 minutes remaining.
It took a while for the game to get going, but wonderful individual effort sparked life into proceedings in the 15th minute.
The 20-year-old Lass fired the ball beyond Miguel Moya after a surging run into Getafe's penalty area.
By now, Franjirrojos were well in control and doubled their advantage just before the half-hour mark, when Piti converted first time from Tito's pass.
The score remained the same until half time, but the points were sewn up with just under 40 minutes left to play, as Leo and Lass combined nicely to set up Piti for his second of the evening.
Paco Alcacer managed to spoil Ruben's clean sheet in the 66th minute, but hopes of a comeback were soon dashed when Michel was given his marching orders for foul and abusive language.
The hosts comfortably saw out the victory, which takes them level on points with Malaga and Real Betis.
Michael Penkman
