Only one victory in five November games had lowered the expectations of even the most optimistic Rayo Vallecano supporters, but a commanding first half raised hopes of a return to their fiery October form.
For much of a one-sided first half, Valencia goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala was the only reason the score stayed level. Most notably, in the 25th minute, he rushed off his line to block Jorge de Frutos’ shot, with Fran Perez also being denied on the rebound by a goal-line clearance headed away by Jose Copete.
Valencia defense would not hold, however.
Nobel Mendy had missed an earlier opportunity from a corner, but five minutes after sending a header wide, he capitalized from a similar situation. A quickly taken short corner allowed Gerard Gumbau to deliver a teasing ball into the penalty area, and the Senegalese defender’s flicked header diverted the ball past a helpless Agirrezabala.
A much stronger Valencia performance silenced the crowd at Estadio de Vallecas, and although they lacked the precision to create a clear chance, luck favored the visitors.
Some chaotic play in the home side’s box led to Diego Lopez shooting at goal, and a significant deflection off Rayo’s scorer Mendy wrong-footed his own keeper, sending the ball looping into the net.
Although the visitors appeared more likely to snatch a late winner, Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu came closest to scoring a decisive goal, as the Romanian unleashed a fierce shot that rattled the side netting.
In the end, a night that began with promise concluded with a feeling of missed chances for the hosts, while Valencia moved a point further clear of relegation despite still seeking their first away win of the La Liga campaign.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gerard Gumbau (Rayo Vallecano)
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