C.D. Leganés could not achieve a positive result in their visit to Rayo Vallecano in the first leg of the semifinals of the play-off for promotion to LaLiga Santander (3-0). Twenty fateful minutes in the second half led to the home side's goals, scored by Álvaro and Bebé (2).
An even first half with only one chance per side
From the start, Asier Garitano fielded a team with three new players compared to the eleven that started the last league match in Zaragoza, with Sergio González, Avilés and Sabin Merino replacing Tarín, Róber Ibáñez and Kevin Bua. Leganés came out strong, with a first great chance for Sergio González at the exit of a corner that was answered by Luca.
Leganés pressed up top, looking to steal near the local area and come out fast on the flanks, against a Rayo that tried to get more combinations. Isi, in minute 32', had the first chance for the Red and Whites with a centering volley that was saved by Riesgo. A dangerous cross from Jonathan Silva was narrowly missed by Miguel before the break.
Twenty fateful minutes condemned Leganés in the second half.
With no changes after the restart, Luca again had to intervene in the first minutes in a poisoned delivery from Silva that slipped through. Avilés tried to go deep on the right, and Juan Muñoz and Miguel found themselves inside. Juan Muñoz himself, in minute 65, shot high from the edge of the area. Immediately after, Eraso replaced the Utrerano in the first change of the pepineros.
In minute 72, Rayo took the lead: Álvaro García took advantage of a cross from Isi to make it 1-0. And, three minutes later, Bebé made it 2-0 with a left-footed shot from outside the area. Róber Ibáñez and Kevin Bua came on to freshen up the flanks, and Perea and Bua came close to scoring against Luca. Borja Bastón came on for Perea in Asier Garitano's last substitution, in 84'.
In stoppage time, Bebé once again scored the third goal for the Vallescanos, thus establishing the final result of the first leg. The second leg will take place this Sunday (21:00) at Butarque.
