Elche CF delivered a commanding and impressive performance to beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0 at the Estadio de Vallecas, a result that extends their winning streak to three consecutive matches in La Liga and improves their recent form, which stands at two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five games. The Ilicitanos were lethal from the penalty spot and effective on the counter-attack to seal a win that moves them closer to mid-table in the standings.
Elche's team started with a clear defensive plan and great reactivity. Although Rayo dominated possession with 56%, the visitors were far more clinical. The first big chance came in the 23rd minute, when Federico Redondo Solari coolly converted a penalty to put his side ahead. The advantage was doubled before half-time, in the 36th minute, thanks to another penalty precisely taken by Fernando Niño Rodríguez, his fifth goal of the campaign, which consolidates him as the team's top scorer this season with 5 goals in 9 appearances. The green-and-white side completed their great night in the 68th minute, when Germán Valera finished off a quick counter-attack assisted by Facundo Buonanotte.
Defensive solidity was another fundamental pillar. Goalkeeper Dituro made a key save in the first half to keep a clean sheet, while the defence made 36 clearances, more than double the home side's tally. This victory allows Elche CF to climb to 18th place in the table with 7 points, having taken 7 points from the last 9 available with a record of two wins and two draws in their last five matches. The Ilicitan side has a record of one win, four draws and four losses from the nine matchdays, with 11 goals scored and 17 conceded. They sit 20 points behind the leaders, Barcelona.
This 3-0 win is perfect revenge, as in the last meeting between the two sides last season Rayo had won 1-0. It also ends the three-match unbeaten run the Madrid side had been on. For Elche, it is a monumental confidence boost at a key point in the calendar. The team has shown it can win convincingly away from home, an aspect that will be vital for their survival objective. With striker Fer Niño in fine form and a defence growing more compact, the Ilicitanos face the final stretch of October with optimism. The only player currently sidelined is M. Aguado.
More detail at La Vanguardia Deportes
Elche CF made history with their 0-3 win at Vallecas. The club confirmed they had not achieved a three-goal margin away victory in La Liga since January 1966, when they beat Espanyol 0-3. The team now sits 14th with 10 points.
