Rayo Vallecano Stun Atletico Madrid 3-0 After Thirteen-Year Drought

Key Takeaways:

• Rayo Vallecano recorded their first victory over Atletico Madrid in thirteen years with a resounding 3-0 result in the 24th round of La Liga
• Rayo netted two goals just before half-time and added a third late on at the Municipal de Butarque
• Rayo Vallecano climbed to seventeenth position on 25 points, while Atletico Madrid remained fourth with 45 points

Match Overview

Rayo Vallecano delivered a memorable performance as they cruised to a convincing 3-0 win against Atletico Madrid in Leganes, ending a thirteen-year winless streak against their renowned Madrid rivals. The clash took place at the Municipal de Butarque as part of the 24th round of the Spanish top flight.

⚡️ ¡¡¡FINAAAAAAAL DEL PARTIDO!!!

ENORME victoria con goles de Fran Pérez (40'), Óscar Valentín (45') y Mendy (76').

👏 Gracias a todos los rayistas desplazados hasta Leganés.#RayoAtleti #VamosRayo pic.twitter.com/N2GXMqJfp0

— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) February 15, 2026

First Half: Quickfire Double Secures Early Lead

The opening forty minutes saw both sides evenly matched, with neither able to break the deadlock. However, Rayo Vallecano found a breakthrough near the half-time whistle. Fran Perez put the hosts in front, capitalising on an impressive individual effort down the right flank by Romanian international Andrei Ratiu. Just moments later, in the 45th minute, Oscar Valentin doubled the advantage, expertly finishing off an attacking sequence that closely resembled the build-up to the opening goal. As a result, Rayo headed into the interval with a comfortable two-goal cushion.

Second Half: Rayo Extend Their Lead

Attempting to reignite his side’s performance, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone introduced Julian Alvarez and Ademola Lookman in the second half. Despite these changes, the visitors could not muster a significant response. Instead, it was Rayo Vallecano who pressed forward to score a third, with Nobel Mendy finding the net a quarter of an hour before the final whistle.

League Table Implications

With this crucial victory, Rayo Vallecano moved clear of the relegation zone, now occupying seventeenth place with 25 points. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, remain in fourth position, holding a total of 45 points.