MADRID (AP) — Rayo Vallecano beat Osasuna 2-1 at home Friday to leapfrog the visitors and move into eighth place in the Spanish league.
Osasuna defender Aridane Hernández pushed in an own goal while trying to make a tackle near the goal line in the 40th minute. Isi Palazón doubled the lead three minutes later when the Rayo midfielder latched on to to a clearance by the defense and volleyed the ball just inside the post.
Moi Gómez pulled one back for Osasuna with a superb long-range shot in the 66th minute, but Rayo protected its lead down the stretch to get its first win in nine rounds. Its last victory was a 2-0 win over Almeria on Feb. 6.
Osasuna was left two points behind in ninth place.
Both sides still have a chance to finish the season in sixth place, which as of now would earn a Conference League berth.
Osasuna could also directly qualify for the Europa League if it beats Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on May 6. ___
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