After conceding three first half goals in last week’s defeat to Almería, the hosts were determined to avoid a similar start against Getafe. Rayo began the contest with verve and vigour to their play, and they looked far more comfortable competing in front of their vocal home support. Although they carried more threat than their opponents, it was actually Getafe who experienced the best chance in the first period. Damián Suárez’s delightful curling cross found Nemanja Maksimović, but Stole Dimitrievski reacted well to push the ball over the crossbar, illustrating why Iraola had recalled the goalkeeper to the starting lineup.
Rayo began the second half with the same high level of intensity as they did in the first. Their attacking intent looked to have been rewarded when Isi Palazón’s stinging shot struck the arm of Fabrizio Angileri in the 52nd minute. However, from the subsequent spot-kick, Óscar Trejo’s tame effort was confidently beaten away by David Soria. The penalty miss did nothing to deter the home supporters, who responded by urging their heroes forward. Iraola also attempted to help his side find a winner as he sent on striking reinforcements in the shape of a Radamel Falcao. The Colombia international thought he had made an instant impact when his delicate header guided the ball past the onrushing Soria, but the assistant’s flag cut the celebrations short.
After seeing his effort chalked off, Falcao continued to lead the Rayo onslaught, and he attempted to catch Soria off guard with a long-range effort, but the Getafe stopper reacted well to push the ball away from danger. The visitors continued to remain firm until the final whistle to avoid a third consecutive defeat, while Rayo will be left frustrated despite extending their unbeaten home run to three games.
Flashscore Man of the Match: David Soria (Getafe)
