Rayo Vallecano’s Defensive Resurgence: A Strong October and November

Rayo Vallecano’s recent draw against Real Oviedo earned them a point that, while not advancing their position in the league, highlights the team’s strong defensive form under coach Iñigo Pérez. The team has conceded goals in only one of their last six league matches.

Currently, the Madrid-based club is enjoying a successful phase in both performance and results. The months of October and November proved favorable, with the team participating in nine matches across the league, Copa del Rey, and Conference League, suffering only one defeat along the way, complemented by six victories and two draws.

A standout aspect of this period is the team’s defensive performance. In the last six league matches, they have kept a clean sheet in five, achieving victories against Real Sociedad (0-1), Levante (0-3), and Alavés (1-0), as well as draws against Real Madrid (0-0) and Oviedo (0-0), with a single defeat to Villarreal (4-0).

The emergence of Nobel Mendy alongside French defender Florian Lejeune in central defense has fortified the team’s backline. The young Senegalese player, who is just 21 years old, began his season with an injury but made his debut in the ninth match against Levante. Since then, he has established himself as a starter, earning his coach’s trust through commendable performances.

In the league, Rayo Vallecano has accumulated 11 points from the last 18 available, positioning themselves with 16 points—just two points shy of European competition and five above the relegation zone.

This positive momentum allows Rayo to approach the upcoming challenging schedule with optimism, as they prepare for four league matches, three in the Conference League, and one in the Copa del Rey before the winter break.