Rayo Vallecano hit by Vallecas tension as Cagliari win 5-4 on pens

Rayo Vallecano hosted Cagliari for the Trofeo de Vallecas and, after a 1-1 draw, lost the shootout 5-4. The night at Vallecas was heavily affected by tension linked to vandalism in the stands and chants targeting the club president Raúl Martín Presa.

A trophy night in the spotlight

Rayo played at home for the first time in the season after their “exile” and brought back the trophy that hadn’t been held since 2019. The club reported an assault on the stadium and protest messages in the officials’ area, while a large banner reading “vivienda para la clase obrera” was visible from one end.

Álvaro and Nzola, then pen que misses

On the pitch, Rayo controlled the first half: Álvaro put them ahead with a left-foot strike at the 24th minute and Boris Radunovic denied chances from Sergio Camello and Florian Lejeune. Nzola equalised in the 76th minute, and Isi Palazón replied a minute later hitting the right post. In the penalty shootout, Isi Palazón and Pelayo Fernández missed, and Cagliari claimed the trophy.