Elche Climb Out of Relegation Zone After Three-Penalty Clash

Elche secured an emphatic 3-0 away victory against Rayo Vallecano, lifting themselves out of the relegation zone and up toward mid-table. Martín Anselmi's side have hit a strong run of form in recent weeks, extending their unbeaten streak to four matches.

Rayo started brightly, forcing the visitors' goalkeeper into action following a powerful strike from Unai López before Sergio Camello sent an effort over the bar. Elche weathered the early storm and broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Federico Redondo converted a penalty awarded for a foul by Florian Lejeune. The opener shifted the momentum in Elche's favor, with Fernando Niño soon rattling the woodwork. Anselmi's men doubled their lead in the 36th minute as Niño stepped up to convert a second spot-kick, taking his tally to six goals for the season.

The hosts were handed a lifeline before the interval when they won a penalty of their own. Pathé Ciss, who had conceded Elche's second spot-kick, stepped up to take it but saw his effort strike the woodwork. The miss was nearly punished immediately at the other end, but Emil Audero pulled off a fine save to deny Revivo's header just before half-time.

Rayo pushed to find a way back into the game after the restart, but their hopes were dashed in the 68th minute when Facundo Buonanotte played in Germán Valera, who delicately lifted the ball over the goalkeeper. The goal broke the hosts' resolve, and Elche were inches away from adding a fourth when Tete Morente's volley crashed against the crossbar.