Rayo Vallecano – Villarreal: the submarines ignited the flames of the European places competition (0-1)

Iñigo Pérez keeps proving that he is no slouch of a manager. However, his game plan hit a snag after Jorge de Frutos was sent off due to violent conduct. The numerical minus didn't drive Rayo Vallecano to surrender. Nonetheless, Ayoze Pérez capitalized on that, scoring from a corner kick, securing the three points for the Submarines.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

Despite losing an away game against Barcelona, Rayo Vallecano demonstrated that they are no slouch of a team led by their promising manager, Iñigo Pérez. Currently, they are competing for a potential qualification for European competitions as they sit in the sixth spot in LaLiga. Before their 1-0 defeat versus the Catalans, Rayo Vallecano had attained an unprecedented milestone, keeping their balance defeatless for nine consecutive games.

The same could be said about Villarreal with Marcelino. However, there is a difference. The Submarines fight for UEFA Champions League qualification for the next campaign and are four points adrift from the fourth team in the table, Athletic Club. Villarreal entered the clash unbeaten in a streak of five fixtures.

Marcelino played with Diego Conde in goal. Willy Kambwala partnered with Logan Costa at the heart of the defense. Sergi Cardona and Juan Foyth held on at the fullback spots. Santi Comesaña and Pape Gueye formed the double pivots. Álex Baena and Yeremy . . .