The League
5:00 p.mMay 14, 2026
Regular season – 36
Mestalla Stadium
Referee: Alejandro Quintero González, Spain
Valencia
Rayo Vallecano
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.69
Expected Goals (xG)
1.21
-0.61
Prevented goals
-0.61
Passing by
356 (80%)
Accurate passes
315 (78%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
He stole Dimitrievski
6.9
14
d
José Luis Gayà (C)
7.2
24
d
It was commercial
7.0
5
d
César Tàrrega
7.0
d
Renzo Saravia
6′ Stumbled
11
M
Luis Rioja
6.9
2
M
Guido Rodríguez
7.0
18
M
ashes
6.9
M
Diego Lopez
40′
F
Javier Guerra
40′
9
F
Hugo Duro
5.9
13
G
August Batalla
6.7
3
d
Josep Chavarría
6.3
32
d
Nobel Mendy
7.3
d
Florian Lejeune
20′
20
d
Ivan Balliu
6.6
M
Gerard Gumbau
20′
23
M
Oscar Valentín (C)
6.3
22
M
patch
7.3
4
M
Pedro Diaz
6.3
21
M
Fran Perez
6.2
F
Randy Shop
56′ rough 8′
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Valencia and Rayo Vallecano shared the spoils in a spectacular encounter at the Mestalla, with the two teams exchanging goals in a game that saw the visitors dominate possession and chances despite playing away from home.
Valencia entered the match in 11th place in the League with 43 points from 36 games. Rayo Vallecano took 9th position with 44 points, just one ahead of their hosts. Both teams needed positive results to finish the season strongly, and the clash promised intensity from the opening whistle.
The match burst into life within seconds. Renzo Saravia was booked in the sixth minute for an early foul that set the tone for a competitive game. Valencia scored first in the eighth minute, when Raúl Nteka converted a penalty to give the home side the lead at the Mestalla Stadium.
Rayo Vallecano’s response came quickly. Just twelve minutes later, in the 20th minute, Florian Lejeune equalized with a clinical finish. The defender turned attacker to equalize for the visitors and awaken belief in the away dressing room.
Valencia pushed for a second goal before the break. However, Rayo Vallecano proved dangerous on the counterattack. The visitors created chances despite having less possession, with their attacking players testing the Valencian defense repeatedly.
Diego López restored Valencia’s advantage in the 40th minute with a well-marked goal. The home side held a narrow lead heading into the break, but the stats indicated that Rayo Vallecano posed a real threat up front.
In the second half, both teams looked for a decisive goal. Nteka was shown a yellow card in the 56th minute as the game became increasingly competitive. Valencia controlled possession with 53 percent of the ball, but Rayo Vallecano’s expected goals ratio of 1.21 indicated they created the better chances.
Valencia made tactical adjustments through substitutions and brought on Pathé Ismaël Ciss in the 37th minute to add new legs to the midfield. The changes failed to break Rayo Vallecano’s resistance, however.
Rayo Vallecano pressed for a draw in the final phase. Gerard Gumbau orchestrated the game from midfield, creating chances for teammates. Despite their efforts, the Valencian defense held firm for long periods.
The visitors finally found their stride. Rayo Vallecano’s late pressure forced Valencia into defensive mistakes, and they equalized to secure a point. The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw that left both sides with mixed feelings.
Valencia managed three shots on goal in a total of 12 attempts. Rayo Vallecano matched that with three shots on goal in just six attempts, showing their clinical edge in front of goal. The visitors committed 20 fouls to Valencia’s nine, which reflects their aggressive approach.
The tie leaves Valencia 11th with 44 points, while Rayo Vallecano remains 9th with 45 points. Both teams ended their campaign with points on the board, although neither got the win they were looking for. Valencia’s jersey says DWLWD, while Rayo Vallecano’s stands say DDWDW.
