Malaga beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 to end dismal away run

Malaga ended their away-day hoodoo in style with a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday.

Javi Gracia's side had not managed so much as a goal in seven previous away league matches this season and it looked set to be another miserable afternoon when former Malaga striker Javi Guerra put the hosts ahead in only the seventh minute.

But Charles came off the bench to end their goal drought in the 59th minute and Duje Cop secured a first win in seven games three minutes from time.

A moment of real class saw Rayo take the lead as Pablo Hernandez split the defence with a terrific pass and Guerra drilled a clinical shot across the goalkeeper for his ninth of the season.

Rayo should have doubled their advantage in the 55th minute, but Lass Bangoura chose to play in Pablo instead of shooting from 10 yards, while Weligton prevented a goal with a crucial block.

Charles entered the field in the 58th minute and a minute later was celebrating a fine goal. He was found 15 yards out by Juan Carlos and was allowed to turn and place a precise shot just inside a post.

Recio was denied by the fingertips of Yoel, but Malaga kept pushing and on loan Dinamo Zagreb striker Cop poked the ball into the far corner for a very timely first goal for the club.

The hosts wanted a late penalty after claiming a handball by Miguel Torres, but the referee waved away their vociferous appeals, and the result means Rayo replace Malaga in the relegation zone.