Almería vs Rayo Vallecano: a sharp debut with two penalties and a 0-2 halftime lead
Almería entered the season with new ambitions but faced a Rayo Vallecano team that showed more fluency and tactical discipline at Power Horse Stadium. The visitors began on the front foot, pressing high and controlling the tempo, and they edged ahead thanks to two penalties in the first half, taking a 0-2 lead into the break.
The opening exchanges featured a dynamic start from Rayo, with pressure that unsettled the hosts. Isi Palazón converted in the 19th minute to open the scoring, and Randy Nteka added a second before the half-hour mark, making it difficult for Almería to recover. The early mistakes by Almería culminated in Alberola Rojas awarding two penalties that changed the momentum of the game, leaving the home side chasing the result at halftime.
Despite a strong push after the restart, Almería failed to produce clear chances to close the gap. The offensive engine of the home team did not click as it hoped, while Rayo resisted with resolute defense to maintain their advantage. The contrast between the two teams was evident as the match progressed, with Rayo continuing to control transitions and Almería searching for opportunities on the counterattack.
The EA Sports La Liga season opened with a display of intensity. Rayo Vallecano seized momentum early with sustained pressure, and the visitors earned the first real chance when a cross from the left found a deflection that forced a save. Almería, trying to settle into the game, looked to Adrián Embarba for pace and width but could not sustain sustained pressure against a well-organized Rayo back line.
Almería’s attempts to cooldown the match involved long spells of ball possession and sporadic threats from Adrián Embarba and Largie Ramazani. Still, these flashes rarely translated into meaningful opportunities. Oscar Trejo did dip into a direct set piece that required a reaction from the goalkeeper, but the attack fizzled as Alberola Rojas allowed play to continue after a controversial tackle near the edge of the box.
A turning point arrived when a central spearhead moved to the left and a dangerous cross was cleared for a corner. The first half’s most decisive moment came when Nteka found the net from a controlled finish, then Palazón added a second from the penalty spot. The scoreline, 0-2, reflected Rayo’s effectiveness in converting key moments and Almería’s lack of a clinical final touch.
In the second period, Almería sharpened their approach and tried to alter the tempo. A more aggressive stance brought pressure at times, but the final ball often betrayed them. Rayo’s defense held firm, with moments of danger stemming from Ramazani and their own counterattacks that did not always yield a decisive finish. The game’s rhythm favored the visitors, who managed the game efficiently and minimized risk after their two-goal cushion.
Midway through the second half, a notable sequence featured a set-piece surge and a sequence of chances that did not culminate in a goal for Almería. A near-miss from Largie Ramazani and a late clip near the box suggested the hosts still had the appetite for a comeback, but the clock began to work against them as the match moved toward its conclusion.
As the final whistle neared, the home side persisted with renewed intensity, yet the gap proved insurmountable. Rayo Vallecano walked off the pitch with a confident win, the result echoing a strong clinical performance in both phases of play. The match at Power Horse Stadium served as a early indicator of Rayo’s potential this season and a reminder for Almería to tighten up defensively and sharpen their finishing in front of goal.
Data sheet highlights the opening day’s lineup and the penalties that defined the scoreline. Almería lined up Diego Marino in goal, with a back line featuring Pozo, Edgar González, Babic, and Akieme. Midfielders included Robertone, Baba, and Embarba, supported by Ramazani and Suárez in the forward line along with Lázaro Vinicius and others in rotation. Rayo Vallecano fielded Dimitrievski in goal, with a defensive block anchored by Balliú, Aridane, Lejeune, and Espino, and a creative midfield with López, Valentín, Palazón, Trejo, and García. Subs and substitutions rotated through the match as both teams sought the best balance for the first points of the season.
In summary, the fixture delivered a clear message: Rayo Vallecano arrived ready to press and to capitalize on opportunities, while Almería faced the immediate task of translating moments of possession into meaningful chances and tightening their discipline at the back. The 0-2 halftime advantage ultimately stood as the decisive margin in this opening-day clash, setting a tone for the early weeks of the La Liga EA Sports campaign.
Footnote: the game drew a substantial crowd and showcased the excitement of the season opener, with analysts highlighting the efficiency of Rayo’s early game plan and the need for Almería to convert their depths into goals as the season unfolds. Reports and highlights are attributed to Movistar Plus+ coverage and league communications.