Rayo Vallecano earned a slender first-leg advantage in their UEFA Conference League semi-final against Strasbourg, as Alemão’s second-half header clinched a valuable 1-0 triumph at the Vallecas Stadium.
2025/2026 UEFA Europa Conference League
1-0
Match Report
With both sides competing in a major European semi-final for the first time in their respective histories, the opening stages were understandably cagey in Madrid. Ben Chilwell fired a speculative long-range effort over for the visitors, while at the other end, Alemão was unable to direct a good headed chance on target. Strasbourg looked to up the ante, with Gary O’Neil’s side seeing plenty of the ball in the final third, but Rayo remained typically resolute at the back, having previously kept a first-half clean sheet in five of their six European home games this term.
Encouraged by their solid defence, Los Franjirrojos probed for a breakthrough themselves, as left-back Pep Chavarría dragged a low effort wide of the far post. That was the hosts’ best opportunity of the half, with Strasbourg wasting a promising chance of their own on the stroke of HT through captain Emmanuel Emegha, who volleyed wastefully over the bar from 12 yards.
Having tasted defeat just twice on home soil since the start of October (W10, D7), Rayo came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second period, and their attacking intent was rewarded in the 54th minute with an opening goal. Isi Palazón’s outswinging corner was perfect for Alemão, who directed a superb glancing header into the far corner beyond Mike Penders for his third strike in this year’s competition.
Keen to build on their lead, the hosts continued to stamp their authority on proceedings, with Florian Lejeune seeing a header smartly saved by Penders before Ilias Akhomach drilled a low strike narrowly wide. Strasbourg briefly threatened at the other end when Andrew Omobamidele failed to convert from close range, but the visitors were soon indebted to Penders again, as the Chelsea loanee thwarted a free header from Lejeune. That proved to be the last meaningful chance of the contest, with Le Racing holding firm to avoid further damage, setting up a fascinating return leg in France next week for a spot in the final.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
21' Match Event for Vallecano vs Strasbourg
38' Match Event for Vallecano vs Strasbourg
54' GOAL! Vallecano 1-0 Strasbourg (Alemão)
64' Highlight from Vallecano vs Strasbourg
79' Match Event for Vallecano vs Strasbourg
Line-ups
Vallecano XI: Lejeune, Unai López, Augusto Batalla, Óscar Valentín, Isi Palazón, Jorge de Frutos, Pathé Ciss, Andrei Rațiu, Alemão, Pep Chavarría, Ilias Akhomach
Subs: Óscar Trejo, Balliu, Gumbau, Alfonso Espino, Pedro Díaz, Dani Cárdenas, Sergio Camello, Nobel Mendy, Adrián Molina
Strasbourg XI: Chilwell, Andrew Omobamidele, Julio Enciso, Emmanuel Emegha, Ismaël Doukouré, Guemissongui Ouattara, Diego Moreira, Martial Godo, Mike Penders, Lucas Høgsberg, Samir El Mourabet
Subs: K. Johnsson, Sebastian Nanasi, Maxi Oyedele, Rafael Luís, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, Mathis Amougou, Gessime Yassine, Ghianny Kodia, Gabriel Kerckaert, Yoann Becker, Jean-Baptiste Bosey