The 2024-25 La Liga season continues to provide thrilling encounters, with the clash between Rayo Vallecano and Atlético Madrid delivering yet another fiercely contested match. This rivalry, steeped in history, saw two determined teams battle for dominance at Vallecas, each looking to build on their recent form. Atlético Madrid, unbeaten in La Liga, came into this match brimming with confidence after a strong European campaign, while Rayo Vallecano hoped to recover from some recent setbacks and impress their home fans.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Head-to-Head Rivalry
Historically, Atlético Madrid have had the upper hand over their Madrid neighbors. The last five meetings between the two sides have been largely dominated by Atlético, including a crushing 7-0 win in August 2023. Rayo Vallecano, however, have always been competitive at home and were eager to break their losing streak against the Rojiblancos.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Lineups and Substitutes
Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1 Formation)
- Goalkeeper:
- Stole Dimitrievski – The reliable shot-stopper is known for his quick reflexes and solid command of the box.
- Defenders:
- Pep Chavarría (Left-Back) – Provides defensive cover and supports attacking moves on the left flank.
- Abdul Mumin (Centre-Back) – Strong in aerial duels and essential in building play from the back.
- Florian Lejeune (Centre-Back) – An experienced presence in the heart of the defense, known for his positioning and leadership.
- Andrei Ratiu (Right-Back) – Fast and composed, often overlapping to provide width in attack.
- Midfielders:
- Unai López (Central Midfielder) – Playmaker with excellent passing range and vision.
- Pathé Ciss (Defensive Midfielder) – A strong, ball-winning midfielder who shields the defense.
- Attacking Midfielders:
- Adri Embarba (Left-Winger) – Creative and dangerous on the ball, with the ability to deliver pinpoint crosses.
- Isi Palazón (Right-Winger) – The team’s top performer, Palazón brings flair and goal-scoring ability from the wings. Scored the opening goal in this match.
- Jorge de Frutos (Central Attacking Midfielder) – Links the midfield and attack with clever dribbling and passing.
- Striker:
- Randy Nteka (Centre Forward) – Physically imposing, he plays as the focal point in attack, holding up the ball and involving his teammates.
- Substitutes:
- Iván Balliu – Came on as a substitute for Jorge de Frutos to add defensive stability.
- Sergio Camello – Added fresh legs and attacking threat in the latter stages, replacing Adri Embarba.
- Óscar Valentín – A central midfielder who replaced Unai López to tighten the midfield.
- James Rodríguez – Replaced Randy Nteka, contributing creativity in the attacking third.
- Sergi Guardiola – Replaced Isi Palazón to help manage the final minutes of the game.
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2 Formation)
- Goalkeeper:
- Jan Oblak – One of the best goalkeepers in the world, known for his shot-stopping ability and leadership from the back.
- Defenders:
- Nahuel Molina (Right-Back) – Energetic and reliable, Molina constantly joins the attack and tracks back swiftly.
- Reinildo Mandava (Left-Back) – Defensively solid and adept at cutting off opposition wingers.
- José Giménez (Centre-Back) – A dominant force in defense, stepping in after Azpilicueta’s injury.
- Axel Witsel (Centre-Back) – The versatile midfielder playing as a centre-back in this match, offers composure and tactical intelligence.
- Midfielders:
- Marcos Llorente (Right Midfielder) – Played the first half before being substituted. His work rate is crucial both in attack and defense.
- Conor Gallagher (Central Midfielder) – Scored the equalizer with a precise strike from outside the box. A box-to-box midfielder with tremendous energy.
- Koke (Central Midfielder) – The captain, Koke controlled the tempo of the game with his passing and vision.
- Samuel Lino (Left Midfielder) – Was replaced at half-time but contributed with dangerous runs down the left side.
- Forwards:
- Alexander Sørloth (Centre-Forward) – A target man upfront, constantly battling defenders and creating chances for teammates.
- Julián Álvarez (Second Striker) – His creativity and quick footwork were on display, assisting in several dangerous attacks.
- Substitutes:
- Antoine Griezmann – Came on in the second half, adding creativity and unpredictability in the attack.
- Ángel Correa – Injected pace and directness into Atlético’s attack, causing problems for Rayo’s defense.
- Giuliano Simeone – A late substitute, tasked with helping Atlético find a late goal.
- José Giménez – Replaced César Azpilicueta due to injury early in the match, adding defensive strength.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid First Half
A Moment of Brilliance The match began with both teams pressing high and trading early chances. Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez came close to breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute, but his shot rattled the crossbar after being teed up by Koke. Rayo Vallecano responded with some creative play of their own, led by Isi Palazón, whose movement caused constant problems for the Atlético defense.
In the 35th minute, the breakthrough came. A neat interchange between Andrei Ratiu and Pathé Ciss saw Ratiu deliver a low cross into the box, which Palazón expertly converted, slotting the ball past Oblak from close range. Initially ruled offside, the goal was awarded after a lengthy VAR review, sending the home fans into raptures. Rayo Vallecano held firm for the remainder of the half, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Second Half
Atlético Madrid Fight Back Atlético Madrid made three crucial substitutions at half-time, bringing on Ángel Correa, Antoine Griezmann, and José Giménez. These changes revitalized their attack, and within minutes of the restart, Conor Gallagher found the equalizer. A well-worked move saw Sørloth lay the ball off to Gallagher, who struck a powerful low shot from outside the box into the bottom right corner, leaving Dimitrievski with no chance.
Both sides continued to press for a winner, with Rayo’s James Rodríguez, who came on in the 73rd minute, testing Oblak from distance, but the Slovenian goalkeeper was equal to the challenge. Atlético Madrid had opportunities as well, with Correa’s effort in the 89th minute being brilliantly saved by Dimitrievski, ensuring that the match ended 1-1.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Stats
| Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Stats | Rayo Vallecano | Atlético Madrid |
| Possession | 54.5% | 45.5% |
| Shots on Goal | 4 | 5 |
| Shot Attempts | 16 | 10 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 4 |
| Saves | 4 | 3 |
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Timeline
- 1st Minute: The match started with Rayo Vallecano immediately pressing forward, with Jorge de Frutos’ early shot missing the target.
- 35th Minute: Isi Palazón’s goal came after sustained pressure from Rayo, and after a VAR review, the home side celebrated a deserved lead.
- 49th Minute: Conor Gallagher leveled the match with a brilliant strike, setting the tone for a more aggressive second half from Atlético.
- 89th Minute: Ángel Correa came closest to sealing the win for Atlético, but his shot was expertly saved by Dimitrievski.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Impact on the Points Table
The draw left both teams frustrated, but it had different implications for each. Rayo Vallecano moved up to 8 points, holding onto mid-table safety, while Atlético Madrid remained undefeated, climbing to 12 points but missing the chance to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Player Achievements
Isi Palazón’s opener was his second goal of the season, continuing to highlight his importance to Rayo Vallecano. On the Atlético Madrid side, Conor Gallagher, newly signed from Chelsea, scored his first goal in La Liga, quickly endearing himself to the Atlético faithful.
In the end, both teams can reflect on missed opportunities in what was a highly entertaining 1-1 draw. Rayo Vallecano will be pleased with their defensive resilience and ability to take the lead, but Atlético Madrid’s experience and depth came to the fore, allowing them to claw back into the match. As the 2024-25 La Liga season progresses, both teams will look to build on this result, with eyes firmly set on securing their objectives.
FAQs
Who scored the goals in the Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid match on Sep 22, 2024?
Isi Palazón opened the scoring for Rayo Vallecano in the 35th minute, while Conor Gallagher equalized for Atlético Madrid in the 49th minute.
How did Conor Gallagher perform on the Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid match on Sep 22, 2024?
Gallagher was instrumental for Atlético, providing energy in midfield and scoring a crucial goal to secure a point for his team.
What was the impact of the result on the La Liga standings?
Rayo Vallecano moved to 8 points in mid-table, while Atlético Madrid remained unbeaten with 12 points, keeping them within touching distance of the top spots.
Who was the Man of the Match on Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid match on Sep 22, 2024?
Conor Gallagher was named Man of the Match for his goal and all-around performance in midfield.
