Malaga came from behind to beat Rayo Vallecano 4-2 through Jose Rondon's double to stay in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Spanish league Thursday. Diego Costa stroked in a spot kick to give Rayo the lead five minutes in after Malaga defender Jesus Gamez fouled Emiliano Armenteros in the area. But Malaga dominated the rest of the way at La Rosaleda Stadium. Rondon headed home Eliseu Pereira's cross to equalize in the 35th. The Venezuela striker then netted again in the 58th when he took Eliseu's pass, held off his marker, and shot under the goalkeeper for his ninth goal of the season. Substitute Enzo Maresca put the result beyond doubt for the hosts with a header in the 70th. Roberto Trashorras scored Rayo's second with a penalty in the 84th after goalkeeper Willy Caballero brought Diego Costa down in the box, but two minutes later Malaga substitute Sergio “Duda” Barbosa hit from long range. Malaga's fourth win in a five-game unbeaten streak lifted it even on points with fourth-place Levante, the team currently holding Spain's last Champions League spot. “More than good results, we are looking to perfect our playing style,” Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini said. “If the team continues in this dynamic we can aspire to the highest possible positions. We have never lacked ambition.” Earlier, Sevilla revived hope of a late-season surge by beating Racing Santander 3-0 thanks to Manu del Moral's brace, while Walter Pandiani's stoppage-time goal earned Espanyol a 1-1 draw at Real Betis. Racing is four points from safety after its 10th straight match without a victory.
