La Liga
5:00 PMMay 14, 2026
Regular Season – 36
Estadio de Mestalla
Referee: Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez, Spain
Valencia
Rayo Vallecano
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0.69
Expected goals (xG)
1.21
-0.61
Goals Prevented
-0.61
Passing
356 (80%)
Accurate passes
315 (78%)
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1
G
Stole Dimitrievski
14
D
José Luis Gayà (C)
24
D
Eray Cömert
5
D
César Tárrega
D
Renzo Saravia
6′ Tripping
11
M
Luis Rioja
2
M
Guido Rodríguez
18
M
Pepelu
M
Diego López
40′
F
Javier Guerra
40′
9
F
Hugo Duro
13
G
Augusto Batalla
3
D
Josep Chavarría
32
D
Nobel Mendy
D
Florian Lejeune
20′
20
D
Iván Balliu
M
Gerard Gumbau
20′
23
M
Óscar Valentín (C)
22
M
Pacha
4
M
Pedro Díaz
21
M
Fran Pérez
F
Randy Nteka
56′ Roughing 8′
La Liga Standings – Primera División
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (Qualification)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Valencia and Rayo Vallecano shared the spoils in a dramatic encounter at Mestalla, with both sides trading goals in a match that saw the visitors dominate possession and chances despite playing away from home.
Valencia entered the match sitting 11th in La Liga with 43 points from 36 games. Rayo Vallecano occupied 9th place with 44 points, just one ahead of their hosts. Both teams needed positive results to finish the season strongly, and the clash promised intensity from the opening whistle.
The match exploded into life within seconds. Renzo Saravia received a yellow card in the sixth minute for an early foul that set the tone for a competitive affair. Valencia struck first in the eighth minute when Raúl Nteka converted a penalty kick, giving the home side an early advantage at Estadio de Mestalla.
Rayo Vallecano’s response came swiftly. Just twelve minutes later, in the 20th minute, Florian Lejeune leveled the score with a clinical finish. The defender turned attacker to draw the visitors level and spark belief in the away dressing room.
Valencia pushed for a second goal before the interval. However, Rayo Vallecano proved dangerous on the counter-attack. The visitors created chances despite having less possession, with their attacking players testing Valencia’s defense repeatedly.
Diego López restored Valencia’s lead in the 40th minute with a well-taken goal. The home side held a narrow advantage heading into the break, but the statistics suggested Rayo Vallecano posed a genuine threat going forward.
The second half saw both teams search for a decisive goal. Nteka received a yellow card in the 56th minute as the match grew increasingly competitive. Valencia controlled possession with 53 percent of the ball, but Rayo Vallecano’s expected goals figure of 1.21 indicated they created the better opportunities.
Valencia made tactical adjustments through substitutions, bringing on Pathé Ismaël Ciss in the 37th minute to add fresh legs to their midfield. The changes failed to break Rayo Vallecano’s resistance, however.
Rayo Vallecano pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages. Gerard Gumbau orchestrated play from midfield, creating chances for teammates. Despite their efforts, Valencia’s defense held firm for long periods.
The visitors eventually found their breakthrough. Late pressure from Rayo Vallecano forced Valencia into defensive errors, and they equalized to secure a point. The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw that left both sides with mixed feelings.
Valencia managed three shots on target from 12 total attempts. Rayo Vallecano matched that with three shots on target from just six attempts, showing their clinical edge in front of goal. The visitors committed 20 fouls compared to Valencia’s nine, reflecting their aggressive approach.
The draw leaves Valencia 11th with 44 points, while Rayo Vallecano remains 9th with 45 points. Both teams finished their campaigns with points on the board, though neither side achieved the victory they sought. Valencia’s form reads DWLWD, while Rayo Vallecano’s stands at DDWDW.