Rayo Vallecano secured a hard-fought victory over local rivals Leganes with a narrow 1-0 win on Friday night, intensifying the drama of La Liga as both teams battled for contrasting goals this season.
The match, held at the Estadio Municipal Butarque, saw Rayo Vallecano take control early on but was characterized by physicality and determined defenses from both sides. Despite the rivalry, neither side managed to register shots on target during the first half, leading to build-up tension which culminated with the sending off of Leganes captain Sergio Gonzalez. His dismissal came after he fouled Rayo’s Randy Nteka, leaving Leganes with only ten men for most of the match.
Pathé Ciss provided the breakthrough for Rayo Vallecano, scoring the only goal of the match. Following multiple attempts, Ciss found success after receiving the rebound from his own shot, finally depositing the ball at the bottom left corner after initially forcing Leganes' goalkeeper, Marko Dmitrovic, to parry his first effort.
“We knew we had to stay strong after they went down to ten men,” Ciss stated following the match. “It was important to keep our composure and find the goal even under intense pressure.”
Leganes put up a stoic defense after Gonzalez's departure, determined not to concede any more goals. They also made strategic adjustments by placing more attacking players on the pitch, indicating their intent to avoid defeat. The determined display from Leganes, who had previously been unbeaten in five matches, was evident as they attempted to hold on and push for equalization.
With just moments to go, it seemed Leganes found their chance to equalize when Rayo’s Florian Lejeune fouled Darko Brasanac inside the penalty area. Miguel de la Fuente stepped up to take the penalty, hitting it low to the left. Immediate excitement turned to agony as goalkeeper Augusto Batalla successfully saved the shot.
Initially, it appeared Leganes had scored from the rebound converted by Valentin Rosier, but the goal was disallowed due to encroachment after VAR intervention.
De la Fuente faced the penalty spot again. This time Batalla remained resolute, saving the second attempt to secure all three points for Rayo Vallecano.
“It was heartbreaking to miss the penalty,” reflected de la Fuente post-match. “But I have to commend Batalla for his performance. We couldn’t afford to lose, but we’ll learn from this defeat.”
This victory pushed Rayo Vallecano momentarily up to sixth place, boosting their hopes for European competition qualifications, with their recent form showing just one defeat across their last ten matches.
Leganes, on the other hand, face increasing pressure as they remain precariously positioned just three points above the relegation zone. Their quest for stability will be pivotal as they strive for results against coming fixtures.
Both clubs will undoubtedly reflect on their performances, with Rayo Vallecano celebrating their derby victory and Leganes regrouping after the setback. The local rivalry continues to bring excitement and challenges to the La Liga season as it nears its conclusion.