Stingy Rayo Vallecano book place in quarter-finals despite Samsunspor loss

Stingy Rayo Vallecano book place in quarter-finals despite Samsunspor loss Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Samsunspor (3-2 on aggregate) Rayo Vallecano have booked their place in the quarter-finals of a European competition for a second time in just their second ever appearance in continental action. Despite a defeat on the night to Samsunspor, Rayo held firm to ensure they maintained their first-leg lead. The atmosphere was one of a crowd keen to enjoy the occasion, and despite the pressure that comes with the chance of a European quarter-final for the second time ever, Rayo’s players showed they too were keen to enjoy themselves, with early tricks and flicks from Andrei Ratiu and Isi Palazon.

Not without substance either, with Jorge de Frutos forcing two excellent saves from Okan Kocuk. Samsunspor did have one good opening hooked over the bar by Marius Mouandilmadji, but the Turkish side were struggling to live with Rayo when the ball was turned over. Pathe Ciss and Unai Lopez continuously sought out wingers Alvaro Garcia and de Frutos in space.

Their offensive threat did subside as the half went on, but with Samsunspor being kept at arms’ length too, there was no sign of concern between the communicating vases of the crowd, coaching staff and players. Before the match, Inigo Perez had remarked that he wanted his side to play the game as if the first leg did not happen, and early in the second half, he got fresh impetus from his players. Isi Palazon hit the side netting after a neat move down the left, before forcing Okan to tip a spiralling effort over the bar.

Now starting to direct the Rayo attack, excellent play from Isi again left de Frutos alone with a defender again on the right, but he too found only the side of the net. To their credit, it was with their first clear opening of the match that Samsunspor took the lead. Cherif Ndiaye led the counter-attack, and slipped in Marius Mouandilmadji to the edge of the box.