PLAYER RATINGS | Strasbourg 0-1 Rayo Vallecano: Le Racing exit Europa Conference League in semi-final disappointment

PLAYER RATINGS | Strasbourg 0-1 Rayo Vallecano: Le Racing exit Europa Conference League in semi-final disappointment UEFA Europa Conference League, Semi-Final, 07/05/2026 Not with a bang but a whimper. RC Strasbourg Alsace limped out of the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final as Rayo Vallecano defeated them home and away by the same 1-0 scoreline. The Match If not for the fact that there were four stands present in the stadium rather than the three at the Estadio de Vallecas, you might have mistaken Rayo Vallecano for being at home this evening.

The visitors were in the ascendancy from the start as they pressed and harried a young and nervous Le Racing that was committed to playing out from the back no matter the outcome. All too often, Strasbourg’s build-up play would collapse with misread passes and overly orchestrated movements. Mike Penders was called into action frequently in the first 45 minutes.

The young Belgian was largely fortunate that, for all of Rayo’s good play, their shot selection for the majority of the first half was lacking. It felt like a matter of time before something would give, and Strasbourg would be picking the ball out of their own net. And in the 42nd minute, the little resistance they had shown would give.

A poorly defended corner was recycled into play by Alfonso Espino. His cross found Florian Lejeune, who volleyed his effort at Penders. However, the keeper could only palm it to Alemão, who struck home to give Rayo a 2-0 lead on aggregate.