Rayo’s Comeback Secures Crucial Three Points
In a direct clash on Matchday 37 of La Liga, Rayo Vallecano defeated Celta Vigo 2-1 at Balaídos Stadium, in a match full of emotions and twists. Celta took the lead with a penalty goal from Marcos Alonso in the 10th minute, but Rayo fought back with Isi Palazón (17′) and Jorge de Frutos (45+2′), securing a vital win in their quest for European qualification.
With this result, Rayo Vallecano remains in contention for a Europa League or Conference League spot, while Celta Vigo sees their continental hopes fading.
image by: marca.com
🏟️ First Half: Celta Takes the Lead, But Rayo Turns It Around Before the Break
10’ – Celta Goal! (1-0) – Marcos Alonso (Penalty)
- Play: Williot Swedberg received a pass from Óscar Mingueza and shot from inside the box. The ball hit Florian Lejeune’s arm, and referee Pulido Santana awarded a penalty.
- Execution: Marcos Alonso converted with a Panenka-style chip, fooling goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.
17’ – Rayo Equalizes! (1-1) – Isi Palazón
- Play: Adri Embarba crossed from the left, and Isi Palazón rose unmarked at the far post to head home. Defensive lapse from Celta, leaving the attacker free.
45+2’ – Rayo Completes the Comeback! (1-2) – Jorge de Frutos
- Play: After a quick counterattack, Isi Palazón laid it off for Jorge de Frutos, who slotted it into the bottom-left corner past Vicente Guaita.
Other Key Moments
- 32’: Yellow card for Marcos Alonso (Celta) for a rough foul on Jorge de Frutos.
- 38’: Disallowed goal for Celta due to Pablo Durán’s offside.
Highlight: Rayo capitalized on Celta’s defensive mistakes to turn the game around before halftime.
🔁 Second Half: Celta Pushes, But Rayo Holds On for the Win
Celta came out strong in the second half, searching for an equalizer:
49’ – Almost the Equalizer!
- Play: Fran Beltrán fired from outside the box, but Batalla made a great save.
65’ – Celta’s Best Chance
- Play: Moriba received the ball, drove into the box, and shot across goal, but the ball went just wide.
90+4’ – Rayo’s Last-Gasp Save
- Play: Javi Rodríguez headed the ball after a rebound, but Pathé Ciss cleared it off the line.
Cards and Substitutions
- 61’: Pep Chavarría and Gerard Gumbau came on for Rayo to secure the result.
- 80’: Iago Aspas and Borja Iglesias were subbed in for Celta but couldn’t prevent the defeat.
Final Score: Celta 1-2 Rayo Vallecano.
📊 Impact on the La Liga Table
- Celta Vigo (7th, 52 points): Virtually out of the European race.
- Rayo Vallecano (8th, 51 points): Still fighting for a Europa League or Conference League spot.
🧠 Tactical Analysis: How Rayo Won
Celta Vigo (4-4-2 Offensive)
- Strategy: Possession dominance and wing play.
- Strengths: Strong attacking buildup (Williot Swedberg and Marcos Alonso stood out).
- Weaknesses: Defensive lapses in set-pieces and counterattacks.
Rayo Vallecano (4-4-2 Counterattacking)
- Strategy: Solid defense and quick transitions.
- Strengths: Speed of Isi Palazón and Jorge de Frutos.
- Weaknesses: Struggled to control the game in the second half.
⭐ Man of the Match: Isi Palazón (Rayo Vallecano)
- 1 goal and 1 assist
- 4 successful dribbles
- 3 shots on target
- 85% pass accuracy
He was the brain of Rayo’s attack, making the difference in key moments.
Image by: laliga.com
📚 Match Facts & Stats
- Rayo hadn’t won at Balaídos since 2018.
- Marcos Alonso scored his first goal for Celta this season.
- Celta had 62% possession but couldn’t turn the game around.
🗓️ Upcoming Fixtures
Getafe vs. Celta Vigo (Matchday 38)
- Date: May 24
- What’s at stake: Last chance to dream of Europe.
Rayo Vallecano vs. Mallorca (Matchday 38)
- Date: May 24
- What’s at stake: A win could secure a Conference League spot.
🔎 Rayo Stays in the Fight, Celta Left Wanting
Rayo Vallecano showed lethality on the counterattack and remains in the hunt for Europe. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo, despite playing well, paid for defensive mistakes and now needs a miracle.
⚽ The final matchday will decide both teams’ futures! ⚽
News cover image by: telemadrid.es
