Girona are back in second as Savio finally breaks free from the restrictions of Rayo Vallecano

Girona 3-0 Rayo Vallecano

Girona moved back into second place ahead of Barcelona on Monday night with a result that looked excellent on paper, but it was far from easy. After conceding 7 in their last 2 games, Girona sealed a clean sheet, and once again scored three goals, for the first time in over a month.

Inigo Perez took Real Madrid's points on his managerial debut with Rayo last week and did his part to fight back hard Gerona, in torrential rain in Northern Catalonia. Far from smooth, Girona came close to Rayo's goal in the first half, Artem Dobvyk miscontrolling after a Miguel Gutierrez cross that wasted their best chance.

Just over five minutes into the second half, Gutierrez was the provider again, cutting in for Viktor Tsygankov to slot into the bottom corner from just inside the box. An excellent goal, Girona would continue to be inaccurate in the final third after that, with Dovbyk again unable to provide the final touch in the box.

With less than 15 minutes to go though, like Ray Tried to press higher, Pep Chavarria was too aggressive in his takedown of Eric Garcia, bringing a second yellow and sealing the lead for Girona. In the downtime Savio Moreira ran back, cutting inside from the left and finding the right inside corner for his first. After taking off his shirt, which would be criticized by manager Michel Sanchez after the fact, he started from wide for his second. This time going wide, he squeezed the ball past Stole Dimitrievski for Girona's third and his brace.

Girona finished second and returned to the top of the scoring charts, securing a vital win after defeats to Real Madrid and Athletic Club. Rayo competed well but will need more fine-tuning from Perez before they feel comfortable in the latter stages of the season.