The game at Vallecas unfolded with Villarreal seizing control early and showcasing sharp attacking tempo. A strong finish in the first half set the tone as the visitors built a commanding lead that proved decisive in the end. Castellón’s side faced a tough ask afterReal Sociedad claimed victory elsewhere, making every point precious in their bid for European qualification. The match highlighted Villarreal’s intent to keep pressure on the league contenders and secure a favorable position for the final stretch of the campaign.
Real Sociedad’s win over Cádiz tightened the margins, placing Villarreal under pressure to win at Vallecas. The upcoming league fixture list kept ambitions high, with the Basque team threatening to stretch their advantage while Villarreal looked to close the gap in the standings before the penultimate round.
Villareal wasted no time in taking the lead, striking just two minutes in. Dani Ceballos delivered from the left, Alfonso Pedraza met the ball with a precise near-post header to break the deadlock and send the away supporters into a quick celebration.
This Villarreal performance appeared ready to carry momentum into the rest of the game, and the team did not rest on its laurels. The home team rallied on the counter and looked to shift the momentum through quick transitions, but Villarreal’s organization and discipline kept their opponents from finding a quick equalizer.
The home side pushed forward with urgency as the clock ticked on. Sergi Guardiola found space on the left and delivered a pass that, after a slight deflection off an opposing boot, reached Rulli, who had to react swiftly to deny the attempt. The move underscored the danger Rayo posed on the break, but the finish did not count as the ball skimmed away from the target.
Moments later Parejo delivered a dangerous free kick from the left. Pau Torres rose highest and guided the ball into the bottom corner, restoring Villarreal’s advantage and giving the visitors a cushion going into halftime.
Paco Alcácer, eager to reclaim his form after a recent spell without minutes, contributed with a well-taken goal. He collected a ball in the penalty area, bypassed a defender, and fired decisively past the goalkeeper, reaffirming the visitors’ control of the match. The strike reinforced the perception of Villarreal as the more efficient side on the night.
Before the break, defensive vulnerabilities for Rayo became evident once again. A set-piece routine from Parejo found Pau Torres at the far post, who finished with accuracy to extend the advantage and deepen the hosts’ challenge. The first half closed with Villarreal holding a commanding lead and a clear plan for the second period.
With the second half underway, Rayo needed a bold response. Andoni Iraola attempted an influx of attacking options, bringing on two forwards, as well as tactical adjustments in search of a breakthrough. The new arrivals joined the fight against a resolute Villarreal defense that refused to give ground and protected the edge the visitors had earned. The plan required exceptional execution, and the defense delivered it, stifling attempts and limiting the chances for a comeback.
Rayo’s hopes faded as Villarreal maintained control, keeping the ball and limiting the risk in dangerous zones. The visitors continued to press high up the pitch when possible, looking to extend the lead on the counter and prevent any resurgence from the home side.
The game finished with Villarreal clinching a late flourish. Pedraza delivered a dangerous cross that eluded the reach of the goalkeeper, capping a confident and composed away performance. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive result for Villarreal and a significant moment in their bid for European contention for the season.
Data sheet:
1 – Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski; Balliu, Maraš (Nteka, m.59), Catena, Fran García; Comesaña (Kevin Rodrigues, m.89), Valentín; Baby (Sylla, art.59), Unai López, Álvaro (Vere, art.89); Guardiola (Falcao, art.59).
5 – Villarreal: Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Pau Torres (Mandi, art.66), Pedraza; Capoue, Parejo, Manu Trigueros, Chukwueze; Lo Celso (Jackson, m.46), Alcácer (Dia, m.66).
Goals: 0-1: Pedraza; 1-1: Guardiola; 1-2: Foyth; 1-3: Alcácer; 1-4: Pau Torres; 1-5: Pedraza.
Referee: Isidro Díaz de Mera. Rayo: Maraš (m.30), Comesaña (45), Álvaro (45), Unai López (76) and Sylla (77) substituted during the match; Villarreal: Rulli (61), Emery (61) and Albiol (82) substituted as the game progressed.
The match, part of the 36th week of La Liga, was played at Vallecas Stadium in Madrid with around 9,000 spectators witnessing a high-stakes encounter in the race for European places.