Rayo Vallecano remain on course for their first European qualification in more than two decades.

Inigo Perez's side sealed a third successive La Liga win as they overcame bottom side Real Valladolid to move up to sixth in the table.

It is part of a nine-match unbeaten run in the league that stretches back to December, with European football on the horizon.

Rayo have not played in European competition since reaching the quarter-finals of the 2001 UEFA Cup, where they were beaten by Spanish rivals Alaves, who went on to beat Liverpool in the final.

Neither side made the breakthrough before half-time, with Isi Palazon denied and Sergio Guardiola heading wide for the home side.

After the restart, Rayo upped the tempo as Real Valladolid battled for a draw in the capital, and the hosts made the most of their only real chance late on.

Jorge de Frutos' cross caused problems in the Valladolid area and Alvaro Garcia kept his cool to head home the winner.

Another three points for Rayo means they will finish in the UEFA Conference League, depending on the result of the Copa del Rey final later in the season, but they could also qualify for the Europa League.

With no cup or European action on the horizon, Rayo's focus is now on the La Liga campaign, which begins with a trip to Barcelona on 17 February.

That will be followed by home games against fifth-placed Villarreal and Sevilla, while Real Valladolid are eight points adrift of safety ahead of a trip to Sevilla next weekend.