18 October 2020 at 14:00
Match Summary
Rayo Vallecano defeated Espanyol 1:0. The match was played in Segunda División 2020. Goals were scored by Isi Palazón 88′. 10 yellow cards were shown. Rayo Vallecano had 51% possession while Espanyol held 49%. Rayo Vallecano had 11 shots (3 on target) compared to 3 (0 on target) for Espanyol. Rayo Vallecano made 5 substitutions, Espanyol made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol — 1 goals and 10 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Andrés Martín
Match Statistics
Rayo Vallecano had 51% possession against Espanyol's 49%. Rayo Vallecano registered 11 shots (3 on target) while Espanyol managed 3 (0 on target). Corner kicks: 5–5. Fouls committed: 13–14.
Lineups
Rayo Vallecano lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Andoni Iraola, while Espanyol deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Vicente Moreno.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Rayo Vallecano is 6.77, compared to 6.73 for Espanyol. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Rayo Vallecano's highest-rated starter is Óscar Valentín (6.83), while Espanyol's best-rated player is Fernando Calero (6.88).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Rayo Vallecano have contributed 8 goals and 8 assists this season, led by Álvaro García (4G). Espanyol's starters account for 5 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by L. Cabrera (3G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Rayo Vallecano deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Espanyol's 4-man backline averaging 6.83. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Rayo Vallecano field 5 midfielders averaging 6.77, versus Espanyol's 5 rated 6.53. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Rayo Vallecano start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Espanyol averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 79% for Rayo Vallecano and 84% for Espanyol. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Rayo Vallecano's starters have collected 15 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Espanyol. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Rayo Vallecano's starting XI is 31.7 (youngest: Óscar Valentín (31), oldest: Álvaro García (33)), while Espanyol average 30.3 (youngest: Javi Puado (27), oldest: L. Cabrera (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Rayo Vallecano's starters average 29 league appearances each, versus 21 for Espanyol. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Andoni Iraola
Substitutes
Coach: Vicente Moreno
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Rayo Vallecano have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. Espanyol show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Rayo Vallecano
Espanyol
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Head to Head Results
Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol have met 2 times — Rayo Vallecano won 1, Espanyol won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 2 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.00 per match (1 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–0 in 2026.
1
Rayo Vallecano
0
Drawn
1
Espanyol
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 17 Apr 2026