Rayo Vallecano squeezed past Huesca in the dying moments of extra time after a cup tie that unfolded with disciplined, methodical football. The home team pressed with purpose, while the visitors stretched to stay in contention and even threaten on occasions, keeping the Alcoraz crowd hooked until the final whistle.
Rayo Vallecano started with players who do not always feature in the starting XI, injecting freshness into a side that began with higher possession but faced a well-drilled defense. The goalkeeper Juan Pérez enjoyed steady protection from a compact back line that closed angles effectively, allowing him to manage danger from both central zones and the flanks as Vallecano built through wide plays and central possessions.
Huesca focused on strengthening the spine, with layers of defense pressing tightly to disrupt attacking movements. They did not retreat completely, staying alert to breaks and counters that could swing momentum or tilt the tie in their favor.
The first half proved largely uneventful for both sides. Rayo Vallecano sometimes favored measured, slow build-ups and plays that did not threaten the goal, while Huesca struggled to penetrate the defensive shape with pace and accuracy. A notable moment arrived in the 28th minute when Espino’s shot was blocked and deflected, setting up Raúl De Tomás to convert at 36 minutes for the opener. The tempo stayed restrained, and the Alcoraz crowd reacted with subdued interest as the action meandered without sustained danger for either goalkeeper.
Despite dominion in possession, the first half stayed largely dull, featuring horizontal passing and a lack of decisive urgency. The Cup atmosphere in a stadium steeped in local pride did not erupt into a frenzy, underscoring the challenge both teams faced in turning chances into a lead before halftime.
After the break, Huesca emerged with renewed resolve and energy. They pressed higher and crafted moments that forced Vallecano onto the back foot. Lombardo tested the defense with a dangerous effort in the 59th minute, signaling a shift in momentum as the visitors sought to control the attacking third.
Coaching staff responded swiftly, bringing on quicker players and more dynamic combinations. The substitutions sharpened tempo and organization, intensifying the contest at times. Kortajarena produced a striking effort in the 75th minute that reminded Huesca of their resilience, and the home side grew more involved as the minutes ticked by. The clash intensified as both teams exchanged quality and danger in a bid to level the score or force extra time.
Rayo Vallecano had dominated the run of play for long stretches, yet the final touch eluded them as time wound down. They seemed comfortable with a late winner, but Huesca stayed stubborn and dangerous, ensuring a nervy end to regulation and forcing overtime to decide the tie.
When extra time began, the game opened up despite cautious approaches from both camps. Bolivar wasted a golden chance at 103 minutes, breaking through the defense but shooting straight into the goalkeeper’s gloves. The tension remained as both sides pressed on, seeking the decisive goal while avoiding costly errors.
As the second period of extra time wore on, caution lingered, but Vallecano’s sharper instincts and finish edged ahead. A determined push in the closing moments created openings, and Vallejo emerged as a key figure in the late revival. A sequence developed when Oscar Valentín struck to deny Huesca relief and to set up a crucial window for Falcao, whose well-timed header found the net for a 0-2 advantage late in stoppage time on the Isi Palazón scoreboard.
Moments later, Huesca pressed in desperation, yet Vallecano stood firm and sealed the win as stoppage time ran out. The final whistle confirmed a tense Vallecano victory, a result that handed them momentum heading into their next fixture.
Data sheet
0 – SD Huesca: Juna Pérez; Loureiro, Blasco, Martos, Nieto; Sielva, Hashimoto, Mier, Kortajarena; Lombardo, Joaquín, Obeng. Substitutes: Javi Martínez, Hugo Vallejo, Manu Rico, d 63; d 63 for Mier; d 33 for Joaquín; d 82 for Obeng.
2 – Rayo Vallecano: Cárdenas; Ratiu, Mumin, Martín Pascual, Espino; Chavarría, Unai López, Diego Méndez, Oscar Valentín, De Frutos, Nteka, Raúl De Tomás. Substitutes: Lejeune, Pozo, Isi Palazón, Falcao, Camello.
Goals: 0-1, m. 36, Raúl De Tomás; 0-2, m. 120+1, Isi Palazón.
Referee: Soto Grado. Cards: Huesca’s Manu Rico and Nieto; and Rayo Vallecano’s Oscar Valentín were cautioned.
Events: The Copa del Rey last 32 match was played at the Alcoraz ground in front of 2,629 fans.