Rayo Vallecano 2 : 3 Eibar - Eibar stun Rayo

Posted Tuesday, November 04, 2014 by PA

Primera Division minnows Eibar again defied their doubters by recording their third win of the season thanks to a fine late volley from captain Mikel Arruabarrena.

Eibar coasted into a comfortable lead away to Rayo Vallecano thanks to a controversial penalty from Arruabarrena and a goal from Federico Piovaccari, but they then conceded two goals in 65 seconds to Leo Baptistao to allow the hosts to level.

But, as Rayo pushed for a third, they were left vulnerable at the back and Arruabarrena took full advantage by volleying in from close range to seal a 3-2 win.

On the eve of the match Rayo coach Paco Jemez warned his men not to be fooled into thinking Eibar were pushovers.

Eibar, who are playing in the top flight for the first time, travelled to Madrid having managed just two wins since their promotion, but they put themselves ahead in the 38th minute.

Eneko Boveda fell to the turf after the slightest of touches by Rayo left-back Nacho as a corner flew in, but referee Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva pointed to the spot.

Arruabarrena placed his spot-kick past Antonio Tono with ease. No reaction came from the hosts and Eibar found the net again after the break.

Saul Berjon sliced open the home defence with a 40-yard pass and Piovaccari finished calmly.

Eibar went to pieces soon after. Baptistao headed home Lica's flat, powerful cross with expertly and he added his second just over a minute later after the visitors gave the ball away from the kick-off.

But, just as Rayo thought they would push on for the win, Eibar hit them on the break.

Fernandez Abraham and Dani Garcia exchanged passes before the full-back whipped in a low cross from the left which Arruabarrena tucked neatly past Tono with his instep.

The result means Eibar move into ninth, while Rayo head to Saturday's game against Real Madrid in 12th position, just three points above the relegation zone.