"Diego Simeone's side came into Sunday's contest having thumped Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, but they were unable to get themselves going here. Pacha Espino had the game's first real opportunity in the 31st minute, but after racing in behind the Atletico defence, his stinging shot was repelled by Jan Oblak at his near post."
"But Vallecano deservedly led five minutes before the break when Fran Perez swept Andrei Ratiu's cross past Oblak, and it got even better for Inigo Perez's side soon after. Clement Lenglet's sloppy pass was intercepted, which allowed Ilias Akhomach to cut the ball back for Isi Palazon. His attempt was brilliantly saved by Oblak down to his left, but Oscar Valentin was the quickest to react to tuck home the rebound."
"After seeing a shot cleared off the line at the end of the first half, Nico Gonzalez saw two efforts in quick succession thwarted by Augusto Batalla as Atletico looked to mount a response on the hour. However, even with the introductions of Julian Alvarez and Ademola Lookman, the visitors fell further behind when Nobel Mendy nodded Alvaro Garcia's delivery into the back of the net following a short corner routine in the 76th minute."
Atletico Madrid lost 3-0 to Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio Ontime Butarque. Fran Perez converted Andrei Ratiu's cross five minutes before half-time, then Oscar Valentin scored from a rebound after Ilias Akhomach created a chance. Jan Oblak made several saves, including denying Isi Palazon, but Atletico conceded seven shots on target before half-time. Atletico introduced Julian Alvarez and Ademola Lookman but Nobel Mendy sealed the win with a 76th-minute header from Alvaro Garcia's short-corner delivery. Atletico had beaten Barcelona midweek in the Copa del Rey first leg but failed to build momentum and struggled in the final third.
Read at Soccer News
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