1-0: A MUCH-NEEDED WIN

In the end it wasn't the most straightforward win but the three points are all that will matter as we returned to winning ways after the international break against a combative Rayo Vallecano side. After an even start, a good combination play between Isaac and Sow resulted in the Swiss making it 1-0 just before the half-hour mark. Things got even better as Unai Lopez was sent off after a VAR intervention on the cusp of half time. However, despite being a man down Rayo fought back and had the clearest chance of the second half with a shot from Álvaro García that rattled the post. 

It was a lively start to the match, with Rayo pressing high up the pitch and we looked to combat them on the counterattack. Isaac in particular looked bright early on. The first chance came after Issac combined with Lukebakio who hit a powerful shot wide of Batalla's goal. Next time the away side wouldn't be so lucky as the striker skipped between a number of challenges before sliding the ball across to Sow who made no mistake with the finish to give us the lead. 

VAR intervened to send off Unai López at the end of the first half 

Rayo responded with some direct football as Álvaro got himself into the area and then nearly Nteka forced an equaliser. With half time approaching Unai Lopez was penalised by VAR for hitting Isaac and given a straight red card. After the break, Lukebakio could have sealed the game with a shot from a narrow-angle that Batalla gathered. From then on, Rayo went forward and created danger. Ferllo blocked a shot from Nteka and Álvaro hit the post after robbing the ball in midfield. García Pimienta then range the changes as he introduced Suso and Juanlu and then later Navas and Barco. 

In truth the changes were good for the team, which relied on the quality of Suso, the legs of Juanlu and the commitment of Navas to ensure that the three points would be staying at the Sánchez-Pizjuán. Next up is another test at home against high-flying CA Osasuna in eight days time.