On 19 December, one of the matches of the 18th round of the Spanish football championship took place. Rayo Vallecano (Spain) and Valencia (Spain) met.
Spanish Championship, 18th round
RayoVallecano (Spain) - Valencia (Spain) - 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: S. Canos (61)
Warnings: J. Guillamon (34), Vazquez (50), Perez (70), S. Amallah (75), Francisco Perez (81), R. Nteka (90+5), Muktar Diakhabi (90+5).
Valencia defeated Rayo Vallecano in a tense La Liga match at the Estadio de Vallecas. Both teams failed to score in the first half, leading to a goalless draw at half-time. Despite the fact that there were few scoring chances, the intensity and competitiveness of the match did not wane. However, the second half saw a turning point in the game. In the 61st minute, Valencia's S. Canos turned the tide of the game with a header, delighting the fans. Rayo Vallecano's defence was caught off guard when Canos took advantage of a moment when the defence conceded a goal and put his team ahead. "Rayo Vallecano, determined to bounce back, made several substitutions to bring fresh energy to the attack. In the 62nd minute, S. Kamelo was replaced by R. Nteka, which signalled a change in tactics for the hosts. In the 69th minute, further changes followed: U. Lopez replaced K. Perez. Lopez replaced C. Perez and J. de Frutos came on in place of Bebe. However, their efforts were negated by a resolute Valencia defence, who managed to hold on to their slender advantage. Both teams continued to fight fiercely for control of the midfield, which led to several yellow cards. In the 70th minute, C. Perez received a warning, adding to the growing list of disciplinary offences in the match.
Valencia also made substitutions in the 71st minute, with D. Lopez and J. Vazquez replaced by F. Perez and D. Fulquier respectively. Despite the substitutions, Valencia faced immense pressure from a determined Rayo Vallecano. In the 75th minute, Valencia's S. Amalla received a yellow card, which increased the tension on the pitch. Both teams tried to gain an advantage, resorting to tactical changes and substitutions. In the 80th minute, Rayo Vallecano introduced A. Ratiu instead of R. Falcao, hoping to breathe new life into their attacking options. In the 81st minute, I. Palazón replaced A. Garcia. As time went on, more and more yellow cards appeared in the match. In the 81st minute Valencia's F. Perez received a warning, and in the 90th minute Rayo Vallecano's R. Nteka received a yellow card. In the final minutes of the match, Valencia player M. Diakhabi also got into the referee's book. The last minutes of the match were marred by controversy: in the 90th minute a red card was received by Valencia player T. Correia, as a result of which the team was left with ten men. Despite Rayo Vallecano's best efforts to get back into the game, they failed to break through Valencia's defence, resulting in a 0-1 home defeat. Both teams showed their determination and skill, producing a tense and highly competitive football match. In the end, it was Valencia who emerged triumphant, earning three valuable points in their La Liga campaign.
In the next round, the following matches await the rivals: Getafe - Rayo Vallecano, Valencia - Villarreal.
| Rayo Vallecano | Valencia | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kicks to the goal | 3 |
| 7 | Kicks | 8 |
| 2 | Blocked shots | 2 |
| 3 | Penalty kicks | 4 |
| 4 | Kicks from outside the penalty box | 4 |
| 16 | Offences | 18 |
| 5 | Corners | 1 |
| 2 | Offsides | 2 |
| 59% | Ball possession | 41% |
| 2 | Yellow cards | 5 |
| 0 | Red cards | 1 |
| 2 | Keeper saves | 1 |
| 464 | Total assists | 328 |
| 356 | Accurate assists | 227 |
| 77% | Accuracy of passes | 69% |