31 January 2021 at 15:00
Match Summary
Rayo Vallecano defeated Espanyol 3:2. The match was played in Segunda División 2020. Goals were scored by Javi Puado 9′, Raúl de Tomás 39′, Isi Palazón 48′, Jonathan Montiel 79′, Álvaro García 83′. 8 yellow cards were shown. Espanyol had 42% possession while Rayo Vallecano held 58%. Espanyol had 8 shots (3 on target) compared to 14 (5 on target) for Rayo Vallecano. Espanyol made 4 substitutions, Rayo Vallecano made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano — 5 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Darder
assist: Adri Embarba
assist: L. Advíncula
assist: Andrés Martín
Match Statistics
Espanyol had 42% possession against Rayo Vallecano's 58%. Espanyol registered 8 shots (3 on target) while Rayo Vallecano managed 14 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 6–3. Fouls committed: 18–11.
Lineups
Espanyol lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under Vicente Moreno, while Rayo Vallecano deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Andoni Iraola.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Espanyol is 6.73, compared to 6.72 for Rayo Vallecano. 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. Espanyol's highest-rated starter is Fernando Calero (6.88), while Rayo Vallecano's best-rated player is Óscar Valentín (6.83).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Espanyol have contributed 5 goals and 0 assists this season, led by L. Cabrera (3G). Rayo Vallecano's starters account for 8 goals and 8 assists, spearheaded by Álvaro García (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Espanyol deploy 4 defenders rated 6.83 on average, against Rayo Vallecano's 4-man backline averaging —. 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
Espanyol field 4 midfielders averaging —, versus Rayo Vallecano's 5 rated 6.72. 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
Espanyol start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.53, compared to 1 for Rayo Vallecano 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 84% for Espanyol and 81% for Rayo Vallecano. 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
Espanyol's starters have collected 9 yellow cards this season, compared to 17 for Rayo Vallecano. 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 Espanyol's starting XI is 30.3 (youngest: Javi Puado (27), oldest: L. Cabrera (34)), while Rayo Vallecano average 33.0 (youngest: Óscar Valentín (31), oldest: Ó. Trejo (37)). 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
Espanyol's starters average 21 league appearances each, versus 24 for Rayo Vallecano. 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: Vicente Moreno
Substitutes
Coach: Andoni Iraola
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Espanyol have recorded 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Rayo Vallecano show 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Espanyol
Rayo Vallecano
Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano Head to Head Results
Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano have met 22 times — Espanyol won 11, Rayo Vallecano won 8, with 3 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2011. Espanyol leads the head-to-head with 11 victories from 22 meetings. A combined 61 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.77 per match (34 for the home side, 27 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 11 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 12 games (55%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–1 in 2012.
11
Espanyol
3
Drawn
8
Rayo Vallecano
Recent Meetings (22)
API data: 17 Apr 2026