La Liga First Half: Garcia Scores First, Romero Equalizes Quickly – Espanyol Temporarily Draws with Rayo Vallecano

Key Events

The match began only 4 minutes into the first half when Embalba sent a direct pass from the edge of the penalty area. Alvaro Garcia took advantage of Cumbrat’s mistake, scoring a one-on-one goal, giving Rayo Vallecano a dream start, 1-0!

In the 8th minute, Villis broke through on the right flank, delivering a cross from inside the box. Romero met the ball with a volley, and although it hit Moomin, it still found its way into the net, allowing Espanyol to quickly equalize, 1-1!

Match Report

At 1:15 AM on September 1st, the fourth round of the 24/25 La Liga season saw Espanyol host Rayo Vallecano at their home ground.

In the 24th minute, Romero shook off his marker and delivered a low cross from the left flank. Villis headed the ball, causing it to bounce, but it went slightly over the crossbar.

In the 30th minute, Espino drove into the penalty area with the ball and fell under Calero’s challenge, but the referee did not award a foul. De Frutos followed up with a powerful shot that went high.

In the 34th minute, after receiving treatment, Espino was still unable to continue, forcing Rayo Vallecano to make a substitution, with Chavarria coming on as a replacement.

In the 39th minute, Alvaro Garcia crossed from the left flank, and Valentine’s header went high.

In the 42nd minute, Embalba went down in the penalty area and appealed for a penalty, which the referee ignored.

The first half ended with Espanyol temporarily drawing 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano.

Player List

Espanyol Starting Lineup (4-4-2):

1-J. Garcia; 14-Olivan; 5-Calero; 4-Cumbrat; 23-Hilali; 20-Claire; 15-Garrella; 17-Carreras; 22-Romero; 7-Puado; 9-Villis;

Substitutes: 13-Pacheco; 33-Fortuno; 3-Gomez; 12-Teguro; 11-Milla; 10-Rozano; 18-Aguado; 37-Unuval; 35-Bauza; 24-Cadona; 16-Chedira; 31-Roca;

Rayo Vallecano Starting Lineup (4-4-2):

1-Caldenaz; 24-Lerjon; 22-Espino (34′ 3-Chavarria); 16-Moomin; 2-Latium; 18-Garcia; 17-Lopez; 19-De Frutos; 23-Valentine; 21-Embalba; 14-Camello;

Substitutes: 13-Battara; 5-Hernandez; 20-Baliu; 27-Barboya; 8-Trejo; 15-Gombau; 7-Parason; 4-Diaz; 11-Ente; 6-Cisse; 9-De Tomas;