

Rayo Vallecano


Atlético de Madrid
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.56
Expected Goals (xG)
1.10
Passing by
286 (81%)
Accurate passes
405 (85%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
13
G
August Batalla
7.6
22
d
Alfonso Espino
7.5
24
d
Florian Lejeune
7.6
d
Andrei Ratiu
M
Oscar Valentín (C)
45′
15
M
Gerard Gumbau
6.9
7
M
The contents of the Palazón
6.9
12
M
Elias Akhomach
7.2
19
F
Jorge de Fruits
5.9
13
G
Jan Oblak (C)
7.2
3
d
Matteo Ruggeri
6.2
15
d
Clement Lenglet
6.0
2
d
Jose Maria Gimenez
6.3
16
d
Nahuel Molina
6.7
23
M
Nicolas Gonzalez
6.2
10
M
Alexandre Baena
6.2
M
Johnny Cardoso
M
Rodrigo Mendoza
11
M
Thiago Almada
6.9
9
F
Alexander Sørloth
6.3

The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Rayo Vallecano delivered a monumental upset on February 15, 2026, stunning Atletico Madrid with a dominant 3-0 victory in La Liga. Goals from Fran Pérez, Óscar Valentí, and Nobel Mendy secured a memorable win at the Camp de Futbol de Vallecas.
Rayo, 18th in La Liga and fighting for relegation, faced a formidable third-placed side, Atlético de Madrid. Historically, Atlético had dominated this match, undefeated in fifteen previous matches. This made for a difficult scenario for the home team.
Atlético tried to control the game, enjoying 58% possession. Rayo’s defense held firm, however, denying clear chances. Frustrations arose early when Atlético player J. Cardoso was shown a yellow card in the 29th minute.
Against the run of play, Rayo broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. Fran Pérez latched onto an incisive pass from Andrei Rațiu, slotting his shot past Jan Oblak. The home crowd erupted as Rayo took an unexpected lead.
The atmosphere intensified shortly before the break. Óscar Valentín doubled Rayo’s lead in the 45th minute, scoring a crucial goal. Atlético were reeling, losing by two goals when the whistle blew.
Diego Simeone faced a huge challenge at half-time, needing to inspire a spectacular turnaround from his athletic side. Rayo looked to maintain their defensive shape and take advantage of counter-attacks. The second half promised a fierce battle.
Atlético began the second half with renewed urgency, but their efforts met stubborn resistance. R. Mendoza received a yellow card in the 52nd minute. Diego Simeone reacted quickly, making a triple substitution in the 56th minute.
The Rayo coach also responded with tactical changes, making three substitutions in the 64th minute. These moves helped consolidate their lead. Atlético player M. Llorente then received a yellow card in the 70th minute.
The home side sealed their emphatic victory in the 76th minute. Substitute Nobel Mendy found the back of the net, assisted by Álvaro García, extending Rayo’s lead to an unassailable 3-0. This third goal extinguished Atlético’s hopes.
Rayo Vallecano showed exceptional efficiency, scoring three goals in nine shots on goal. Their expected goals (xG) stood at 1.56, beating Atlético’s 1.1 xG despite having 42% possession. Jan Oblak made six crucial saves.
This historic 3-0 win gives Rayo Vallecano vital points in their fight for La Liga survival. For Atlético de Madrid, it represents a significant setback and a rare humiliating defeat, forcing them to reassess their form.

