Stuani cools Vallecas and rescues Girona in the dying moments

The match closed the 35th round of LaLiga with very different objectives on the table. Rayo arrived with high morale after their historic qualification for the Conference League final and with the possibility of getting into the fight for the European spots. Girona, on the other hand, visited Vallecas with the urgent need to earn points in their relegation battle, just above the drop zone, and with Míchel returning to a very special home for him.

First half

The first half was more tense than brilliant. Girona tried to establish possession in the opposing half, but struggled to convert that into clear chances. Rayo, somewhat more patient, grew as the minutes passed, relying on Ratiu’s depth and the movement of Fran Pérez and Camello.

The first major action came after a loss by Pep Chavarría that allowed Joel Roca to get into a dangerous area. Girona’s attack looked promising, but Batalla and the Rayo defense managed to prevent the goal. Rayo responded in the final moments of the first half, especially through Sergio Camello, who had the clearest chance before the break in a one-on-one that Gazzaniga resolved with a great low save.

The first half ended with 0-0, a yellow card for Pedro Díaz, and the feeling that both teams needed an extra gear to break the deadlock.

Second half

After the break, the match picked up pace. Girona threatened with a clear chance from Tsygankov, who shot over in a dangerous run to the far post. Shortly after came one of the hot moments of the match: Cuadra Fernández pointed to the penalty spot for a possible handball by Óscar Valentín, but VAR corrected him and the penalty was overturned.

The substitutions began to influence the game. Iñigo Pérez brought in Gumbau and Alemão, while Míchel sought more freshness with Iván Martín and Echeverri. Rayo kept pushing more and more, with Lejeune testing Gazzaniga from a distant free kick and the Vallecano side hovering around the opponent’s box.

The reward came in the final stretch. Alemão, just brought on from the bench, appeared to deflect a shot from Unai López and score the 1-0. Vallecas celebrated a seemingly secured win, but Girona did not give up. Míchel turned to Cristhian Stuani and the Uruguayan once again showed his instinct: in the closing minutes, he seized the decisive action and scored the 1-1 that gave Girona a hugely valuable point in their survival fight.

Highlighted players Comunio / Sofascore

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Alemao
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For Rayo Vallecano, the standout name was Alemão, with 10 Comunio points and a 7.4 rating on Sofascore. His entry changed the attacking front and his goal confirmed his immediate impact on the match.

Also delivering very solid performances were Andrei Ratiu and Florian Lejeune, both with 8 Comunio points and a 7.6 rating on Sofascore. Ratiu was deep and active down the wing, while Lejeune held the team steady at the back and once again threatened on set pieces. Unai López, with 6 Comunio points and a 7.0 on Sofascore, also had a notable match and played a key role in the Rayo goal.

70

Stuani
1.250.000€-200.000€    3

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For Girona, the highest-rated player was Cristhian Stuani, with 11 Comunio points and a 7.5 rating on Sofascore. His late goal turned a difficult night into a golden point for Míchel’s team.

Paulo Gazzaniga also had a key role, with 7 Comunio points and a 7.4 rating on Sofascore, especially for his save from Camello before the break. Additionally, Vitor Reis, with 6 Comunio points and a 7.2 on Sofascore, and Arnau Martínez, with 6 Comunio points, completed a positive line of ratings for the visitors.

Match details

Final score: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Girona.

Goals: 1-0, Alemão; 1-1, Cristhian Stuani.

Stadium: Vallecas Stadium.

Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández. VAR: Jorge Figueroa Vázquez.

Rayo Vallecano lineup: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Pathé Ciss, Pep Chavarría; Pedro Díaz, Óscar Valentín, Unai López; Jorge de Frutos, Sergio Camello, and Fran Pérez.

Girona lineup: Gazzaniga; Arnau Martínez, Alejandro Francés, Vitor Reis, Álex Moreno; Witsel, Fran Beltrán, Lemar; Tsygankov, Ounahi, and Joel Roca.