Rayo Vallecano moved one step closer to the UEFA Europa Conference League final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over RC Strasbourg in the first leg of their semi-final clash. On a passionate night at Vallecas, a stadium steeped in history and resilience, the Madrid side rose to the occasion with intensity and belief.

From the opening whistle, Rayo Vallecano imposed their tempo, pressing high and unsettling a Strasbourg side that struggled to find rhythm. The hosts, long regarded as giant-killers in Spanish football, once again lived up to that reputation on the European stage.

The breakthrough came in the second half and proved decisive. Following a well-delivered corner from Isi Palazón, striker Alemao soared above the defence and powered a header into the net, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Rayo had opportunities to extend their lead. Defender Florian Lejeune came close with a powerful effort, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Matthieu Penders, who kept Strasbourg within touching distance.

Despite boasting a strong squad and links to Chelsea FC, Strasbourg offered little in attack, failing to register a single shot on target.

Under the guidance of Iñigo Pérez, the Madrid side displayed composure and character in the closing stages, managing the game effectively under pressure to secure a crucial first-leg advantage.

2025-26, Conference League

Rayo Vallecano - Strasbourg 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Alemao, 55 (1:0)

Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Chavarría; Lejeune; Ratiu; Ciss P.; Akhomach; López U. (Gumbau, 94); Valentín Ó.; Palazón (Camello, 88); Alemao (Díaz Р., 64); De Frutos (Espino, 89)
Substitution: Díaz Р. (from 64); Camello (from 88); Espino (from 89); Gumbau (from 94)
Bench: Cárdenas; Balliu; Mendy N.; Trejo
Yellow Cards: Ciss P. 38; Akhomach 74; Lejeune 76

Strasbourg: Penders; Omobamidele; Chilwell; Doukouré Is.; Hogsberg; El Mourabet (Oyedele M., 95); Moreira D.; Enciso; Godo M. (Amo-Ameyaw, 67); Emegha (Nanasi, 84); Ouattara G.
Substitution: Amo-Ameyaw (from 67); Nanasi (from 84); Oyedele M. (from 95)
Bench: Johnsson; Luis R.; Amougou; Yassine
Yellow Cards: El Mourabet 11; Emegha 45; Chilwell 74; Moreira D. 78; Oyedele M. 97