Rayo Vallecano held firm in a fiery Madrid derby to edge Getafe 1-0 at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, ending a home drought and sparking fresh hope for European football next season.
A Derby Win That Meant More
In the heart of Madrid, passion poured from every corner of Vallecas as Rayo Vallecano finally gave their home crowd something to cheer about. Florian Lejeune’s early header settled a feisty derby against Getafe, securing three vital points that reignited Los Franjirrojos’ top-eight ambitions.
The win ends a frustrating five-match winless run at home and marks a significant turning point in Rayo’s campaign, with just four rounds of La Liga action remaining.
Early Fire and Missed Chances
Vallecas didn’t have to wait long for drama. Just 10 minutes in, Isi Palazón whipped in a dangerous corner that met the towering Lejeune, whose salmon-like leap and bullet header left David Soria stranded. It was his first goal of the season—and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
But Getafe didn’t roll over. Ramos Terrats nearly silenced the home fans minutes later, his low strike whistling inches wide. The visitors ramped up their attacks, and their best chance came right before halftime when Bertuğ Yıldırım somehow failed to convert a free header from close range—an agonising moment for José Bordalás’ men.
Soria vs Vallecano: A One-Man Wall
Rayo flew out in the second half, but Getafe’s keeper David Soria turned into a one-man highlight reel. Four rapid-fire saves—denying Jorge de Frutos, Álvaro García, Isi Palazón, and Pep Chavarría—kept the visitors alive in a breathless 10-minute spell.
Despite their dominance, Rayo couldn’t find a second goal. But their relentless pressing and hunger for every ball kept the Vallecas crowd roaring from the stands.
Djené’s Meltdown and Rayo’s Control
As the clock wound down, frustration got the better of Getafe captain Djené Dakonam. A poor reaction to a referee’s decision saw him collect two quick yellow cards, reducing the visitors to 10 men for the final eight minutes—a fatal blow to any comeback hopes.
With the advantage, Rayo calmly saw out the match, showcasing maturity and discipline rarely seen during their recent slump.
What It Means: Hope for Rayo, Pain for Getafe
This gritty derby win pushes Rayo Vallecano back into the conversation for European qualification. Sitting just outside the top eight, Iñigo Pérez’s men have real momentum heading into the final stretch.
Meanwhile, Getafe’s dreams of a top-half finish take a significant hit—bitterly ironic for a team that had picked up a league-best 18 away points in 2024. The shutout also marks Rayo’s fourth consecutive clean sheet against Getafe, a defensive dominance that adds salt to their rivals’ wounds.
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Final Whistle
Rayo’s narrow win in this Madrid derby wasn’t just about bragging rights but a statement of intent. With the season nearing its climax, every point counts. And in the battle for Europe, this might just be the spark that lights up Rayo’s run-in.
Keep an eye on this team—and bet smart on Bangbet.com.
