A late Manucho goal has given Rayo Vallecano a 1-0 win away at Real Sociedad in this afternoon's La Liga clash at the Anoeta.

The opening stages of the game were punctuated by tackles and fouls that broke up play, save for a tentative foray from the visitors that saw Gael Kakuta stopped for offside.

Carlos Vela saw a shot blocked for the hosts just before the quarter-hour mark, while midway through the first half Imanol Agirretxe had an effort saved by Tono.

Rayo then threatened as Ze Castro narrowly missed the top corner in the 28th minute, before embarking on a spell that saw David Moyes's charges under siege, but the first half ended goalless despite this.

Following the restart, it took both teams a while to get back into the game, the first concrete effort not coming until just before the hour when Xabi Prieto headed just wide of the Rayo goal.

Just when it seemed like the two sides would share the spoils, Manucho connected with Roberto Trashorras's corner kick to head into the back of the Sociedad net.