Rayo Vallecano achieved its third consecutive victory in LaLiga thanks to Alemao’s goal in added time. Alavés, who had been able to take the lead on two very clear occasions, left Vallecas empty-handed despite still being the team with the fewest goals scored in the First Division.
The game was rough and with few chances. A textbook goalless tie that was broken when no one expected it. If anyone came better at the end of the game it was Alavés, but a cross from Chavarría headed by Alemao unleashed joy in Vallecas. It had been six months since Rayo had won in LaLiga in front of their fans.
Goal by Alemao (1-0) in Rayo 1-0 Alavés
The best of the first half happened in the opening five minutes, with a shot from Aleñá crossed and a header from Alemao that brushed the post. The game was aiming high, which deteriorated as the minutes passed between protests, cards and medical assistance.
After three consecutive losses by Rayo in getting the ball out, the great opportunity of the first act arrived for Alavés. A shot with everything in favor of Antonio Blanco that went to a corner that was deflected on its way to goal by Mendy.
Rayo was much less incisive than in other games, drowned out by its opponent’s good work without the ball. While Iñigo was desperate on the wing, a shot from Pedro Díaz was picked up by De Frutos to shoot down the Alavés goal. Sivera avoided the goal in an act of reflexes and flair. Everything seems easier when you are the goalkeeper with the fewest goals scored in the First Division. Pacheco was injured precisely in that play, which left Alavés without any pure center back on the field. As a culmination of the first act, the confrontation on the way to the locker room between Coudet and Miguel Ortiz, Rayo delegate, who said everything and nothing nice.
Rayo 1-0 Alavés
The changes suited Rayo better, which now got into its usual gear for its games in Vallecas. A deflected shot by Álvaro García and, above all, a left-footed shot from Isi against the post made their fans believe in victory again.
However, thanks to good pressure from Lucas Boyé on Nobel Mendy, Alavés almost won. Toni Martínez’s final shot went over Batalla’s goal, with Coudet putting his hands on his head. Lucas Boyé himself had another shot five minutes later that forced his compatriot Batalla to show off.
Alavés became emboldened and neglected what they never leave unchecked. Alemao appeared alone in the area to finish Chavarría’s center at will. A center and shot so free that they are more typical of a training session than a First Division match. The Lightning, seventh, continues flying in its cloud.
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