Rayo and Girona clashed in two contrasting halves. The Madrid side controlled the opening period, even missing a penalty twice, while the Catalan visitors grew into the game and pressed until the final whistle, only to bow to the home side.
The Rayo squad, cheered from the outset by a loyal crowd, took the field with a sharper edge and that intensity showed early. A cross shot from Santi Comesaña forced an early save by Argentinian Paulo Gazzaniga, who positioned himself well to deny the long-range attempt.
Rayo dictated the tempo in the first portion of the first half, and their pressure paid off when Isi Palazón crafted a breakthrough in the 23rd minute. A left-footed drive found the far corner beyond Gazzaniga, ending Vallecas’s scoreless run at 318 minutes and lifting the home supporters with hope and some relief.
ISI PALAZÓN I FROM VALLECAS ⚡ What a moment for the crowd @isinhho!
Why is Vallecas shouting “ISI, SELECTION!”? It’s moments like this that explain the chorus. @Vallecano Ray #LaLigaEnDAZN ⚽
— DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) March 18, 2023
Girona did not surrender. Six minutes later they equalized through a sequence that began with Rodrigo Riquelme’s cross from the left and concluded with a header by Taty Castellanos. The rebound ricocheted off Dmitrievsky, guiding the ball behind goalkeeper Dimitrievsky and into the net.
When the home team needed a spark, captain Oscar Trejo emerged in a moment of individual brilliance. He picked up the ball in a tight space, weaved through defenders, and delivered a precise cross that allowed a teammate to finish from close range, evading the reach of Gazzaniga.
Wizardry on the ball. Definition of Crack.
“Chocolate” @oscar8trejo — he dances with the ball like no other. Huge goal for Vallecano! ⚡ @Vallecano Ray #LaLigaEnDAZN ⚽
— DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) March 18, 2023
This sequence opened a period of lighthearted play and eccentric moments. Arnau awarded Álvaro García a penalty, and Trejo’s attempt hit the post and was cleared. A Girona defender had stepped into the field during the restart to force a retake, and Trejo chose to delay, allowing Isi Palazón to step up and loft the ball over the crossbar.
The stadium’s collective unease grew as Rayo began to lose control in the opening act, while Girona pressed and sought gaps in the home defense. Oriol Romeu began to haul his side forward, muscling through the middle and applying constant pressure to disrupt Vallecano’s rhythm.
Six minutes after the restart, Girona leveled again. Javi Hernández’s cross found Tsygankov inside the box, and the forward slid in to poke the ball home before Catena could reach him.
“Owned by Taty Castellanos!” Girona pushed forward, aiming for a late comeback. Dimitrievski stood tall to deny the visitors and preserve Vallecano’s advantage for a moment longer.
— DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) March 18, 2023
Andoni Iraola searched for fresh ideas that would reenergize the attack, bringing in Raúl De Tomás. Yet the Madrid forward persisted in not finding his best form, remaining peripheral in the attack and failing to convert chances when they mattered most.
Facing a stubborn block, Girona took the initiative and pressed high, exchanging passes with speed and precision. They attempted to convert several turnovers into scoring chances, peppering Dimitrievski’s goal with repeated attempts as the clock ticked away.
– Data sheet:
2 – Vallecano Lightning: Dimitrievsky; Mario Hernández (Mumin, m. 66), Catena, Lejeune, Fran García; Valentin, Comesaña (Salvi, art.79); Isi (Pathé Ciss, m.79), Trejo (Raúl De Tomás, m.57), Álvaro; and Camel (Unai López, art.66).
2 – Girona: Gazzaniga; Arnau, Santi Bueno, David López, Miguel (Javi Hernández, art. 46); Oriol Romeu, Iván Martín, Borja García (Reinier, art. 89); Tsygankov, Riquelme (Toni Villa, m.46) and Taty Castellanos (Stuani, m.85).
Goals: 1-0: M.22 Isi Palazón; 1-1: M.29 Tsygankov; 2-1: M.34 Trejo; 2-2: M.52 Tsygankov.
Judge: Pablo González Fuertes. warning Catena (m.6) and Mario Hernández (18) from Rayo; and Arnau (37) and David López (71) from Girona.
events: The match, played on the 26th day of La Liga, drew 12,263 spectators at the Vallecas Stadium in Madrid. [Source attribution: DAZN Spain, March 18, 2023]