Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés: A Comprehensive Analysis

Match Overview

• Date: January 31, 2025
• Time: 20:00 UTC
• Venue: Estadio Municipal de Butarque, Leganés, Spain
• Competition: La Liga, Round 22
• Final Score: Leganés 0 – 1 Rayo Vallecano

Pre-Match Context

Leading up to this match, both teams had contrasting trajectories in the league. Rayo Vallecano was positioned 6th, showcasing a strong season with aspirations for European competition. In contrast, CD Leganés found themselves in 16th place, battling to distance themselves from the relegation zone. This match was pivotal for both sides: Rayo aimed to consolidate their top-six standing, while Leganés sought crucial points to climb the table.

Team Lineups and Formations

CD Leganés

Formation: 3-2-4-1

Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Marko Dmitrović
• Defenders: Valentin Rosier, Sergio González, Matija Nastasić
• Midfielders: Adrià Altimira, Juan Cruz, Daniel Raba, Seydouba Cissé, Yvan Neyou Noupa, Óscar Rodríguez
• Forward: Munir El Haddadi

Substitutes:

• Juan Soriano, Jorge Sáenz, Renato Tapia, Miguel de la Fuente, Darko Brašanac, Diego García, Javier Hernández, Roberto López, Julián Chicco, Iker Bachiller, Alvin

Under the guidance of manager Borja Jiménez, Leganés opted for a 3-2-4-1 formation, aiming to strengthen their midfield presence and provide support to the lone striker, Munir El Haddadi. The defensive trio of Rosier, González, and Nastasić was tasked with maintaining a solid backline, while the midfield sought to control possession and create opportunities.

Rayo Vallecano

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Augusto Batalla
• Defenders: Andrei Rațiu, Florian Lejeune, Abdul Mumin, Pep Chavarría
• Midfielders: Pathé Ciss, Unai López, Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García
• Forward: Randy Nteka

Substitutes:

• Dani Cárdenas, Pedro Díaz, Aridane Hernández, Óscar Trejo, Sergi Guardiola, Sergio Camello, Gerard Gumbau, Iván Balliu, Adrián Embarba, Alfonso Espino, Óscar Valentín, Pelayo Fernández

Manager Iñigo Pérez fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing a balanced approach between defense and attack. The defensive quartet aimed to provide stability, while the midfield duo of Ciss and López focused on transitioning play and supporting both defense and offense. The attacking trio behind Nteka was responsible for creative playmaking and goal-scoring opportunities.

Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés Tactical Analysis

CD Leganés’ Approach

Leganés’ 3-2-4-1 formation was designed to crowd the midfield, aiming to disrupt Rayo’s build-up play and regain possession swiftly. The wing-backs, Altimira and Cruz, were expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, providing width and delivering crosses into the box. However, the reliance on a single forward in El Haddadi meant that penetrating Rayo’s defense required precise and well-timed support from the midfield.

Rayo Vallecano’s Strategy

Rayo’s 4-2-3-1 setup provided a solid defensive foundation with flexibility in attack. The double pivot of Ciss and López offered protection to the backline and facilitated quick transitions. The trio of de Frutos, Palazón, and García behind Nteka was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities through dynamic movements and interchanging positions, aiming to exploit any gaps in Leganés’ defense.

Key Player Performances

CD Leganés

• Marko Dmitrović (Goalkeeper): Displayed commendable reflexes, making several crucial saves to keep Leganés in contention.
• Sergio González (Defender): Anchored the defense with authority, making vital interceptions and clearances.
• Óscar Rodríguez (Midfielder): Acted as the creative fulcrum, attempting to orchestrate attacks and deliver set-pieces.
• Munir El Haddadi (Forward): Despite limited service, he showcased determination, making intelligent runs and pressing the opposition defense.

Rayo Vallecano

• Augusto Batalla (Goalkeeper): Maintained composure, ensuring a clean sheet with timely interventions.
• Florian Lejeune (Defender): Commanded the backline, effectively neutralizing Leganés’ attacking threats.
• Pathé Ciss (Midfielder): Dominated the midfield battle, breaking up play and distributing the ball efficiently.
• Isi Palazón (Midfielder): Instrumental in the attacking third, providing creativity and testing the goalkeeper with shots on target.

Match Highlights and Turning Points

• 45′ +2′ – Red Card:

• 45′ +2′ – Red Card:

Just before halftime, Leganés suffered a major setback as midfielder Seydouba Cissé received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Unai López. This left the home side with ten men for the entire second half, significantly impacting their ability to control the midfield and sustain attacking pressure.

Second Half Analysis

With Leganés reduced to ten men, Rayo Vallecano adjusted their strategy to dominate possession and wear down the opposition. Their numerical advantage allowed them to overload the midfield, using quick, short passes to progress up the field.

Tactical Adjustments

• CD Leganés:
  Manager Borja Jiménez responded to the red card by switching to a 5-3-1 formation, pulling an attacking midfielder deeper to provide defensive cover. The team adopted a low block, focusing on closing spaces and relying on counter-attacks.
• Rayo Vallecano:
  Rayo opted for a more attacking-oriented approach, pushing their full-backs higher to stretch Leganés’ defense. Jorge de Frutos and Álvaro García frequently cut inside to support Randy Nteka, increasing the pressure on the weakened Leganés backline.

Decisive Goal (68′) – Isi Palazón

• After relentless attacks, Isi Palazón finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute.
• How It Happened:

• Unai López played a defense-splitting pass to Álvaro García on the left wing.
• García dribbled past Valentin Rosier and squared the ball into the box.
• Isi Palazón, making a late run into the penalty area, finished first-time with a powerful strike past Marko Dmitrović.

• Impact of the Goal:
  This goal forced Leganés to take more risks, but their numerical disadvantage made it difficult to mount a comeback.

Leganés’ Late Surge

Despite being a man down, Leganés attempted a late push in the final 15 minutes. The introduction of Miguel de la Fuente added fresh energy upfront. Óscar Rodríguez came close to equalizing in the 81st minute with a free-kick that forced a spectacular save from Augusto Batalla.

However, Rayo Vallecano held firm, maintaining their defensive shape and seeing out the game for a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés Post-Match Analysis

Key Takeaways

1. Red Card’s Impact:

• Seydouba Cissé’s sending-off was the defining moment of the match. Playing with ten men against a dominant Rayo side made it extremely difficult for Leganés to sustain attacks or resist pressure.

2. Rayo’s Tactical Superiority:

• Rayo’s ability to exploit width and patiently break down Leganés’ low block was crucial. Their midfield duo of Pathé Ciss and Unai López controlled the tempo throughout the game.

3. Leganés’ Defensive Solidity Despite Setback:

• Despite being outnumbered, Leganés’ defensive structure held up well, only conceding once. Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović was excellent, preventing the scoreline from worsening.

Manager Reactions

• Borja Jiménez (Leganés Manager):
  “The red card changed everything. We were competitive, but against a team like Rayo, playing with ten men for 45 minutes is incredibly difficult.”
• Iñigo Pérez (Rayo Vallecano Manager):
  “We controlled the game well, especially in the second half. Isi’s goal was well-deserved, and I’m happy with our defensive discipline.”

Statistical Breakdown: Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés

• Possession:
  Rayo Vallecano’s 64% dominance reflects their control, especially after the red card.
• Shots on Target:
  Rayo had more clear chances, with Isi Palazón and Álvaro García posing constant threats.
• Fouls:
  A physical match, particularly in midfield battles.

Player Ratings: Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés

• Man of the Match:
  Isi Palazón – Scored the match-winning goal and played a vital role in Rayo’s attacking setup.

What’s Next for Both Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés Teams?

CD Leganés

• Next Fixture: Vs. Real Betis (Away)
• Key Focus:

• Improving discipline and reducing unnecessary cards.
• Working on offensive transitions to create more goal-scoring opportunities.

Rayo Vallecano

• Next Fixture: Vs. Sevilla (Home)
• Key Focus:

• Maintaining their momentum in the top-six race.
• Continuing their defensive solidity while improving finishing in the final third.

Final Verdict: Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés

Rayo Vallecano’s victory was well-deserved, driven by tactical discipline and the brilliance of Isi Palazón. The red card significantly hindered Leganés, but their defensive resilience kept them in the match for most of the game.

Final Thoughts:

• For Rayo Vallecano: This win boosts their chances for European qualification.
• For CD Leganés: They need to regroup and find consistency to move away from the relegation battle.

This Madrid derby had everything: drama, controversy, tactical battles, and a crucial three points for Rayo Vallecano.