Rayo Vallecano claimed a commanding 2-0 victory over Villarreal at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, with early goals from Sergio Camello and Alemão securing a dominant performance.
Rayo Vallecano delivered a clinical display to overcome third-placed Villarreal in a crucial La Liga clash. The home side controlled proceedings from start to finish, limiting their visitors to just two shots on target. This result ended a difficult stretch for the Madrid club and provided a strong finish to their campaign.
Villarreal arrived in strong form, sitting third in the table with 69 points from 36 matches. However, Rayo entered the contest seeking to climb away from mid-table obscurity. The visitors had won their last two matches, but found themselves outmatched on the day.
Rayo struck early and decisively. In the 28th minute, Sergio Camello opened the scoring with a composed finish. The striker took his opportunity well after Rayo's patient build-up play created space in the final third. Camello's goal gave the hosts a crucial lead heading into the break.
The home side dominated possession with 53 percent of the ball. They created genuine chances throughout the first half, with 14 total shots compared to Villarreal's 11. Rayo's expected goals stood at 1.52, reflecting their attacking threat. Villarreal struggled to impose themselves on the contest.
The visitors managed only two shots on target in the opening 45 minutes. Their passing accuracy of 84 percent showed technical quality, but they lacked penetration. Villarreal's nine corner kicks hinted at their attempts to create chances, yet they could not convert pressure into goals.
Rayo emerged from the break with their intensity unchanged. Just two minutes after the restart, Alemão doubled the lead in the 47th minute. The second goal effectively settled the contest and left Villarreal with a mountain to climb.
Villarreal pushed for a response after falling two goals behind. Their goalkeeper made five saves to keep the deficit at 2-0. Despite their efforts, the visitors could not break down a resolute Rayo defense led by captain Florian Lejeune.
Rayo controlled the match through midfield with Óscar Trejo and Pathé Ismaël Ciss providing stability. Andrei Rațiu delivered an outstanding performance at right-back, earning an 8.0 rating with two key passes and three tackles. The home side's defensive organization frustrated Villarreal's attacking players.
Yellow cards went to Lejeune in the 61st minute and Unai López in the 82nd minute for Rayo. Villarreal received one caution late in the match. Neither team was reduced to ten men, though both showed intensity in the closing stages.
The statistics told the story of Rayo's dominance. They recorded eight shots inside the box against Villarreal's six. Rayo's passing accuracy of 86 percent demonstrated their control, while Villarreal's goalkeeper made five saves attempting to limit the damage.
This victory moved Rayo to 44 points from 36 matches, keeping them in mid-table. Villarreal remained third on 69 points but suffered a significant setback in their title challenge. The result highlighted Rayo's potential when operating at full intensity.
