A first-half header from Florian Lejeune has given Rayo Vallecano a 1-0 win over Getafe in the Madrid derby.

Lejeune headed home Isi Palazon's corner in the seventh minute on Friday (Saturday AEST) to lift Rayo into ninth place in the La Liga standings.

It was only the home club's second win and second clean sheet in their past 11 league games, but the margin of victory could have been greater were it not for the heroics of David Soria in the Getafe goal.

Neither side showed much style in a scrappy game that reflected both teams' inconsistent seasons.

It was Getafe's fourth defeat in a row and third consecutive 1-0 loss.

They also suffered the blow of a late red card for captain Djene Dakonam, who was dismissed for dissent.

Getafe remained in 12th place.