Rayo Vallecano remain with a shout of finishing their season in the top half of the La Liga table after a 2-0 win against Getafe at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.
The hosts were quickest off the starting blocks as Manucho's ambitious shot from long range in the third minute flew over, while Alberto Bueno's effort moments later met a similar fate.
Getafe countered through Roberto Lago, whose drive was saved by David Cobeno, but Rayo soon upped the pressure and duly took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Emiliano Insua's cross was lashed home by Manucho.
There was little in the way of action following the goal right until the break, but both teams came out with intent following the restart and chances were traded at both ends.
Despite a good attacking spell from Getafe, the hosts succeeded in doubling their lead 73 minutes in, courtesy of Miku latching on to Roberto Trashorras's through-ball and firing home.
No more goals would be scored in the game, although proceedings took a violent turn when Javier Aquino and Lago were both sent off for fighting with just two minutes to go.
The result puts Rayo just a point behind 10th-placed Celta Vigo, while Getafe remain in 14th place.
Giuseppe Labellarte
