Former Valencia midfielder Ruben Baraja has been appointed head coach of Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.

The Madrid-based outfit sacked Jose Ramon Sandoval following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to UCAM Murcia, which left the club in 16th position in the Segunda Division.

Rayo have moved quickly to appoint a replacement, however, with Baraja, who had a 10-year stint at Valencia during his playing days, taking control of the capital outfit.

#RubénBaraja es oficialmente nuevo entrenador del @RVMOficial. Bienvenido. pic.twitter.com/SvtuFPLYUB

— Rayo Vallecano (@RVMOficial) November 8, 2016

Baraja, 41, who scored seven times in 43 appearances for the Spain national team between 2000 and 2005, managed Elche during the 2015-16 campaign.