Granada fails to capture home win

Published Jan. 14, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Goals by Michu and Piti earned Rayo Vallecano a 2-1 Primera Division win at Granada who finished the game with 10 men.

The home side hit back through Fran Rico in the last five minutes but they also had Inigo Lopez dismissed in injury time.

Granada's Alexandre Geijo had the first chance but headed over from 12 yards and Michu responded for Rayo Vallecano but his shot from 25 yards was also too high.

The next chance fell to the same player but Michu's effort ended up with the same result as the ball sailed over.

But Michu made no mistake after 24 minutes when a cross by Roberto Trashorras found him in the Granada area and he shot home to give the visitors the lead.

Granada had a chance to get back on level terms on the half hour but Franco Jara's header was straight at goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and he was able to catch the ball comfortably.

Rayo's Jose Movilla was booked for his challenge on Granada's Carlos Martins as the first half drew to a close.

Granada forced two corners in quick succession before Movilla and Michu both went close for the visitors with a shot and a header respectively.

Michu had the first chance of the second half but his shot was saved by Granada's Roberto before the visitors doubled their advantage six minutes after the break.

Raul Tamudo set up the chance and Piti fired home a left foot shot from 20 yards.

Alejandro Arribas headed over from close range from a Trashorras free-kick as the visitors tried to extend their lead.

A flurry of yellow cards saw seven players booked in the space of 13 minutes as both sides became more physical.

The home side put in a late rally and Jaime Romero fired wide before a corner was cleared by the visitors only for Rico to volley the ball in from the edge of the area to get the home side back into the game.

The visitors tried for a clinching third goal but Michu's shot was straight at Roberto.

To complete a bad day for the home side they had Inigo Lopez sent off in injury time.