Defeat at Vallecas (2-0)

17/05/2026

Villarreal lose to Rayo Vallecano and will have to beat Atlético to finish third in LALIGA EA Sports

Villarreal lost at Vallecas (2-0) and will need to beat Atlético de Madrid to finish LALIGA in third place. The Yellows were defeated by the hosts, who were the better side and made it count with goals from Camello and Alemao.

The Yellows arrived in the iconic Madrid neighbourhood after their home defeat in the midweek clash against Sevilla (2-3). A bitter setback in a match where Villarreal took a 2-0 lead, but ended up losing to a Sevilla side with hunger and urgency to secure survival.

Camello scores to put Rayo ahead

Rayo Vallecano were superior in the first half. The hosts went into the break ahead thanks to a goal from Camello (1-0), who beat Tenas in the 27th minute. The striker received a through pass from Andrei, entered the box, set himself and fired into the top corner at the near post.

Before that, Villarreal had hit the crossbar through Sergi Cardona, who struck a powerful shot from the edge of the area.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Rayo tried to extend their lead. Camello had two more chances to score, but one went wide and Tenas saved the other with a fine stop.

Alemao doubles the lead

The second half did not start well for Villarreal. An early goal from Alemao made it 2-0. The Brazilian forward received a pass from Óscar Trejo and finished clinically past Tenas.

Villarreal struggled to find their rhythm and created few chances until late on. Partey tested Batalla from distance and Ayoze also went close, while Cardona forced a late save.