Sporting Gijon 2-0 Eibar: Jony Rodriguez influential in La Liga win

Sporting Gijon moved out of the La Liga relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Eibar on Friday evening.

The Rojiblancos moved above Granada and ahead of Rayo Vallecano on goal difference, with Jony Rodriguez the central figure in the victory.

He provided a pinpoint cross that allowed Carlos Carmona to open the scoring in the 43rd minute, then secured the points with a smart run and finish in the closing stages.

Gijon began at a lively pace, pressing forward and looking to attack the flanks.

But Eibar held their shape to prevent any early dramas and it was home goalkeeper Pichu Cuellar who was worked first, scrambling to beat Jota Peleteiro to the ball.

Alen Halilovic's pace at times appeared a promising outlet for Sporting but he rarely found himself in the danger area.

Instead it was Jony who carved out the opener just before the break, cutting into the left channel and drifting a cross towards the unmarked Carmona.

His header, from eight yards, was too good for Asier Riesgo. The second half began in tense fashion, Gijon tempted at times to settle for their lead.

The tone almost shifted dramatically after 72 minutes when Sergi Enrich sent a low, skidding shot from 25 yards - hitting the post after a touch from the goalkeeper.

In the end Jony had the final word, a Cuellar goal-kick bouncing awkwardly for the away defence and falling into the path of the breaking forward.

He sped into the box at a tight angle but opened his body and finished coolly to spark passionate celebrations.