Matchday 16 of LALIGA EA SPORTS concluded with a point shared in Vallecas after an active match, despite the result, between Rayo Vallecano and RC Celta (0-0). Rafa Benítez’s team defended the draw thanks to a decisive Vicente Guaita, allowing the Celestes to return home with points for another week.
Vallecas is a challenging field, and this was confirmed by Francisco Rodríguez’s team. The night fell in Madrid with a Rayo team eager to take the three points, entering the field with palpable determination. In response, RC Celta, astute in the face of the local siege, demonstrated defensive solidity during the first half of the match. Amidst attacks and counterattacks, both teams generated goal opportunities, the clearest being a chance from Lejeune who managed to find the net after a precise assist from RDT. However, the local celebration quickly faded when the referee called offside on Rayo’s number 22, thus invalidating the goal and leaving the scoreboard unchanged until halftime.
After a first half where any lapse seemed like it could break the parity, spectators eagerly awaited what the second half would bring. Nothing happened. The expectations of an exciting outcome did not materialize, and throughout another 45 minutes, both teams maintained the same tenacity and solid defensive strength, with the most notable performances coming from Vicente Guaita. The goalkeeper, rightfully emerging as the MVP of the match, made remarkable saves that prevented Rayo’s on-target shots from scoring. Despite Madrid’s efforts to accelerate the pace of the game, the clock and the skilled hands of the experienced Celeste goalkeeper dissipated Rayo Vallecano’s aspirations for victory.
A draw, in a challenging field for Celta, leads Rafa Benítez’s team to accumulate points for the third consecutive week. The next match for the Galicians will be on Saturday, December 16th at Abanca Balaídos at 14:00 h. In this last home match of 2023, the RC Celta players will face Granada CF, supported by the Celeste fans.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
0 – Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski; Balliu (Pozo, min.82), Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarría; Unai López, Óscar Valentín (Pathé Ciss, min.71); Isi (Bebé, min.85), Trejo (De Frutos, min.46), Álvaro García; and Raúl de Tomás (Falcao, min.71).
0 – RC Celta: Guaita; Kevin, Starfelt, Unai Núñez, Manu Sánchez; Mingueza (Fran Beltrán, min.65)(Dotor, min.87), Luca de la Torre, Tapia, Bamba (Franco, min.65); Douvikas (Iago Aspas, min.72) and Larsen.
Referee: Víctor García Verdura (Catalan Committee). Booked the locals Valentín (min.68), Unai López (min.73), and Pathé Ciss (min.83).
Incidents: Match corresponding to matchday 16 of LALIGA EA SPORTS played at the Vallecas stadium in front of 11,796 spectators. A minute of silence was observed in memory of Antonio Castilla, president of the Rayo Supporters’ Federation, who passed away on December 10th.
