Kakuta gives Rayo 1-0 win at Almeria in Spain

ALMERIA, Spain (AP) " Gael Kakuta scored with four minutes to play to give Rayo Vallecano a 1-0 win at Almeria in the Spanish league on Monday.

The forward, who is on loan from Chelsea, used one touch to volley home Alberto Bueno's well-placed cross after Manucho had headed the ball forward to start the decisive move.

Almeria created several scoring chances in the first half, only to squander them all.

Jonathan Zongo fired high in the 21st before goalkeeper Cristian Alvarez stretched to save Tomer Hemed's strike and make amends for his errant pass that led to Almeria's best opportunity to score.

Rayo's second straight win lifted it into 10th place.

Almeria remained winless at home this season and on the brink of the relegation zone.

"It's obvious that we let too many chances get away, and we ended up paying the price," said Almeria midfield Fernando Soriano. "But if we have to lose, let us lose this way. We showed desire and courage and this is the way forward."

Real Madrid tops the table after 13 rounds. Barcelona is two points adrift with defending champion Atletico Madrid trailing the pacesetter by four.

The league will resume next weekend after the midweek slate of Copa del Rey games.