Rayo Vallecano suffered a painful home thrashing, falling 0-3 to Elche in the tenth round of LaLiga EA Sports. Two first-half penalties and a delicate chip from Germán Valera in the second half decided a match that leaves Beñat San José's team just four points above the relegation zone. This result, from Saturday 24 October, confirms their difficult situation in 14th place in the standings, with 9 points from eight games, from two wins, three draws and three losses.
The match turned sour early for the hosts. In the 21st minute, the referee pointed to the spot for a foul by Florian Lejeune on Sergio Revivo. Federico Redondo made no mistake from eleven metres. Shortly after, VAR intervened to review an incident between Lejeune and Álvaro García, awarding a second penalty that Fernando Niño converted in the 36th. Rayo had a chance to pull one back before half-time, but Pathé Ciss smashed his spot-kick against the crossbar.
Insufficient reaction
The second half showed a Rayo with more impetus but no cutting edge. A volley from Randy Nteka also rattled the woodwork. However, hope was definitively extinguished in the 68th minute, when Germán Valera, after a pass from Facundo Buonanotte, beat Dituro with a soft chip over the goalkeeper. The goal, described as a "perfect vaselina", sealed the defeat. Rayo manager Beñat San José voiced his displeasure with the refereeing decisions. "Maybe I'm wrong but I think my penalty should have been reviewed. I put my body there and he crashes into me," he said regarding the second penalty incident.
The result leaves Rayo Vallecano in a difficult 14th place in the standings, with just 9 points after eight matchdays. Their star striker, Sergio Camello, who has 7 goals this season, could not influence the game. In the title race, the team finds itself 18 points behind leaders Barcelona. Their recent form over the last five games is one win, three draws and one loss. This run includes the 1-1 draw against Getafe on 19 October, with a goal from Álvaro García, and the 0-0 draw against Athletic Club on 10 October. The next challenge is another test at Vallecas, against eighth-placed Celta Vigo on Saturday 31 October. To bounce back, the team will need to recover the defensive solidity shown in the draws against Getafe and Athletic Club.
This story first appeared at Diario AS
Rayo manager Beñat San José highlighted his goalkeeper's performance after the defeat. "Emil Audero was our best player, he prevented a bigger rout," said the coach. The Indonesian keeper made several meritorious interventions. The side, now 17th with 9 points and a -8 goal difference, seeks a reaction.
Manager Beñat San José confirmed the club has requested a review of the penalty decisions from the match from the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA). The request was made this Monday, the club explained. Rayo, now 17th with 9 points and a -8 goal difference, prepares to host Celta.
