Rayo Vallecano claimed a decisive 2-0 victory at Getafe, with goals from Sergio Camello and Randy Nteka securing three crucial points in the battle for European qualification.
Getafe entered the match sitting seventh in La Liga with 44 points from 33 games. Rayo Vallecano occupied 11th place with 39 points, seeking to climb the table. The hosts held 56% possession but struggled to convert their chances into goals. Vallecano's clinical finishing proved the difference on a tense afternoon at Estadio Coliseum.
Rayo Vallecano struck first in the 38th minute when Sergio Camello found the back of the net. The goal arrived after sustained pressure from the visitors, who had created several half-chances. Camello's finish gave Vallecano a valuable lead heading into the break. Getafe had dominated possession but failed to trouble the Vallecano goalkeeper with meaningful efforts.
The hosts attempted to respond after conceding. However, their attacking play lacked precision and cutting edge. Getafe's midfield controlled the ball but rarely created clear-cut opportunities. Vallecano's defense remained organized and disciplined throughout the first half.
Alemao received a yellow card for Getafe in the 29th minute. Duarte picked up a caution for Vallecano just before halftime. The match grew increasingly scrappy as both sides accumulated bookings. Tactical fouls disrupted the rhythm of play.
The second half began with Getafe pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Vallecano defended deep but looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The visitors' intensity remained high despite trailing in possession. Batalla made three important saves for the hosts.
In the 63rd minute, Arambarri converted a penalty kick to double Vallecano's advantage. The spot-kick decision shifted momentum decisively toward the visitors. Getafe's hopes of a comeback faded with this second goal. The hosts now faced an uphill battle to salvage anything from the match.
Nteka added a third goal in the 73rd minute, though only two counted toward the final scoreline. The goal effectively ended any hope of a Getafe revival. Vallecano controlled the closing stages comfortably. Getafe's attacking efforts became increasingly desperate.
Statistically, Getafe recorded 13 total shots with only three on target. Vallecano managed 10 shots with six finding the target. The hosts enjoyed 56% possession but generated just 1.36 expected goals. Vallecano's expected goals total stood at 0.83, showing clinical conversion.
Nteka earned a rating of 7.7 for his performance. Luis Milla and Luis Vázquez both rated 7.3 for Getafe. Batalla made three crucial saves in goal. Ciss completed 96 minutes of defensive work for Vallecano.
The defeat leaves Getafe seventh with 44 points from 34 games. Vallecano moves to 42 points from 34 matches, closing the gap on European qualification spots. The visitors' clinical finishing proved decisive in a match where possession alone meant little.
