MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 23: Jose Raul Baena (2ndR) celebrates scoring their opening goal with teammates Diego Llorente (3dR) and Javier Guerra (R) as head coach Sergio Gonzalez Soriano (L) of RCD Espanyol reacts during the La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and RCD Espanyol at Estadio de Vallecas on October 23, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID --
Rayo Vallecano ended a run of three consecutive league defeats following a 3-0 home win against Espanyol on Friday.
Roberto Trashorras' first-half penalty and two goals in two minutes from Javier Guerra moved Rayo four points clear of the relegation zone.
The opening 20 minutes saw chances for each team with the woodwork being struck by both sides.
The hosts that got the breakthrough after Espanyol defender Enzo Roco felled Guerra in the area. Trashorras converted the spot kick for in the 36th minute for a half-time lead.
Espanyol were reduced to 10 after midfielder Victor Sanchez was sent off for a second yellow in the 66th.
Guerra scored in the 76th and soon after unleashed a powerful effort from distance.
Burgui missed a stoppage-time penalty for Espanyol.
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