Rayo Vallecano 3-0 Atletico Madrid
‘Presa, come out now’ was the occasional chant for the odd game in Butarque, as several thousand Rayo Vallecano fans made the trip to Leganes on Sunday afternoon. For the second week, the Vallecas stadium was deemed unfit to play on. This time La Liga stepped in to ensure the game continued after their game with Real Oviedo was called off four hours early, with the result that the game itself felt like part of the story.
The only time when the support of the mobile home rose to their feet in unison was with the arrival of President Raul Martin Presa, who met with a group of supporters in rebellion, more concerned about the revolution than their football than the equally pressing conditions on the table. Atletico Madrid, after their victory over Barcelona, started with confidence, and the sound of their touch was heard in front of a dirty atmosphere. Several dangerous crosses did not find the players, as Rayo treated Alexander Sorloth as a basketball center, preventing, checking and fighting.
🇦🇷🥹 Diego Simeone in today’s press conference: “I can’t find a word to describe what I feel about this club. I’m grateful for the love I receive. And I’m very grateful to the players who represent football with the same passion I feel. But I don’t have a word to describe it.” pic.twitter.com/glIgf3w2YC
– Atlético Universe (@atletiuniverse) February 14, 2026
As the half wore on however, Atletico’s intensity waned, and Rayo began to cause serious problems. It started with Pacha Espino working Jan Oblak, then another Fran Perez effort just before the half-hour mark. It was Ilias Akhomach who was giving Atletico’s defenders the biggest headache though, and after meeting up with Isi Palazon, he beat the second defender, laid down Oblak – and was denied by Nahuel Molina at the end. When the lead came, it was unexpected.
This time it was Andrei Ratiu who bamboozled Matteo Ruggeri on the right, and his break found Perez in the penalty area to sidefoot low beyond Oblak. Atletico were often outnumbered, as Rayo attacked forward. Another loss of possession on their part allowed Ilias to cut back on this. Oblak made a great save down the left, but Oscar Valentin was able to get in and give Rayo a two-goal advantage at the break.
ELIAS ✨@RayoVallecano | LALIGA Highlights pic.twitter.com/rtUWj6MWcS
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) February 15, 2026
Rayo: Faster, stronger, better, smarter
A sloppy start to the second half prompted a triple change for Diego Simeone ten minutes in, replacing the poor-looking trio of Alex Baena, Ruggeri and Rodrigo Mendoza with Julian Alvarez, Obed Vargas and Robin Le Normand, followed five minutes later by the introduction of Marcos Llorente and Ademola Lookman. The four in his place were part of the nine he had replaced since Thursday. The next big chance was Rayo’s though, as Ilias continued his man of the match, first raising a penalty appeal after sliding between two defenders, before Jorge de Frutos failed to connect well with his cross from the right.
The only good thing for Simeone is that Nico Gonzalez was starting to attack on the left side as he was moved to left back. His explosive shot was Augusto Batalla’s first career of note. Yet Rayo were equal to everything thrown at them, or rather, Nobel Mendy and Florian Lejeune were unmoved by the new partnership of Sorloth and Alvarez. With 15 minutes to go, Atletico were caught napping at a short corner. Rushing in behind, Mendy headed home Alvaro Garcia’s fine cross, emphatically calling the game home.
𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗬𝗗. 🇸🇳@RayoVallecano | LALIGA Highlights pic.twitter.com/MRQJ7Rwd4z
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) February 15, 2026
For Atletico Madrid, it’s been nine games since they won in a row, and they went outside Butarque with their pride. Tensions have been there all season, but even Simeone looks a little annoyed at their display, perhaps confirming that La Liga is no longer a priority this season. They sit in fourth place behind Villarreal, equal on points.
Each goal was followed by more chants of ‘Presa, come out,’ and they could be heard in the stadium that sounded like a hotel room, as the game ended. On the field, Rayo was stronger, more committed and played better, more accurate football, completely convincing with their three points. Overcoming a three game losing streak, it was also enough to get them out of the relegation zone. More importantly, Rayo was out of Vallecas, against their will, if not that of their president. Until Presa leaves Rayo Vallecano, their fans will not have complete peace.
