Rayo Vallecano Reach First European Final vs Strasbourg

Rayo Vallecano advanced to their first European final by defeating RC Strasbourg Alsace 2-0 on aggregate in the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals, securing a 1-0 victory in the second leg Thursday night at Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, France.

Brazilian forward Alexandre Alemao scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders parried Florian Lejeune's volley. Rayo dominated possession and chances, registering 19 shots to Strasbourg's three, while Augusto Batalla preserved the clean sheet with a crucial stoppage-time penalty save on Julio Enciso, awarded after Oscar Valentin handled the ball. The result capped a strong run for Rayo, who remained unbeaten in five competitive matches, including four wins.

The Madrid club, managed by Inigo Perez, will face Crystal Palace in the final on May 27 at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany. Victory would mark Rayo's first major trophy and qualify them for the 2026-27 Europa League. Historically a La Liga mainstay with limited European experience, Rayo reached the UEFA Cup quarterfinals in 2000-01 but had not advanced this far before.

Rayo's achievement carries broader...