In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, Rayo Vallecano triumphed over Atlético de Madrid with a decisive 3-0 scoreline on matchday 24 of La Liga. Fran Pérez opened the scoring with an impressive strike in the 39th minute, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. Just before halftime, Óscar Valentín doubled the lead with another well-executed goal in the 44th minute. The final blow came from Nobel Mendy, who headed the ball into the net in the 75th minute, sealing a comprehensive victory for the home side.
Andrei Ratiu was named the standout player of the match, making crucial defensive contributions by clearing seven balls from the danger area. His efforts were complemented by Nobel Mendy, who not only contributed to the scoreline with a goal but also successfully defended against five threats on his goal.
Rayo’s coach, Iñigo Perez, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, which included Augusto Batalla in goal; a defensive line of Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Nobel Mendy, and Luis Alfonso Espino; a midfield composed of Óscar Valentín, Gerard Gumbau, Ilias Akhomach, Isaac Palazón, and Fran Pérez; and Jorge de Frutos leading the attack.
On the other hand, Diego Simeone’s Atlético de Madrid employed a 4-4-2 setup, featuring Jan Oblak in goal; a backline of Nahuel Molina, José María Giménez, Clément Lenglet, and Matteo Ruggeri; a midfield with Thiago Almada, Rodrigo Mendoza, Johnny Cardoso, and Nicolás González; while Álex Baena and Alexander Sorloth formed the forward duo.
The match was officiated by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea at the Municipal Stadium of Butarque.
Following this win, Rayo Vallecano will travel to face Betis in their next match, while Atlético de Madrid will return home to host Espanyol. With this result, Rayo Vallecano now sits at 25 points in the league, positioned in 16th place, whereas Atlético remains at 45 points, retaining their spot in 4th place in the standings.
Substitutions for Rayo Vallecano
63’ 2T – Isaac Palazón out for Pedro Díaz, Jorge de Frutos out for Jozhua Vertrouwd, Fran Pérez out for Álvaro García
73’ 2T – Ilias Akhomach out for Randy Nteka
82’ 2T – Gerard Gumbau out for Unai López
Booked for Rayo Vallecano:
46’ 2T Álvaro García (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Atlético de Madrid
55’ 2T – Rodrigo Mendoza out for Robin Le Normand, Matteo Ruggeri out for Obed Vargas
56’ 2T – Álex Baena out for Julián Álvarez
62’ 2T – Johnny Cardoso out for Marcos Llorente, Clément Lenglet out for Ademola Lookman
Booked for Atlético de Madrid:
28’ 1T Johnny Cardoso (Unsporting behavior), 6’ 2T Rodrigo Mendoza (Holding the opponent to prevent advancing), 24’ 2T Marcos Llorente (Unsporting behavior)