Rayo Vallecano delivered a stunning upset by thrashing Atletico Madrid 3-0 in LaLiga action at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque (Leganés), handing Diego Simeone’s side their heaviest defeat of the season and snapping an eight-match unbeaten away streak.
The hosts took control early and led 2-0 at halftime. Fran Pérez opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a clinical finish from Andrei Rațiu’s assist, before Óscar Valentín doubled the advantage right on the stroke of halftime following a Jan Oblak save from Isi Palazón’s effort.
Nobel Mendy sealed the rout in the 76th minute, capitalizing on more sloppy Atletico defending assisted by Álvaro García Rivera, as Rayo dominated proceedings in unusual surroundings due to the relocation from their usual Vallecas pitch.
Atletico, who had convincingly beaten Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey semifinals first leg just 72 hours earlier, struggled to impose themselves and failed to create clear chances, with Nicolás González’s effort saved by goalkeeper Augusto Batalla standing as their best opportunity.
The result marks Rayo Vallecano’s first league victory over Atletico Madrid since February 2013 and provides a major boost in their fight against relegation, while dealing a blow to Atleti’s faint title aspirations, leaving them further adrift from leaders Real Madrid.
Simeone made all five substitutions early in the second half in a bid to turn the tide, but Rayo thoroughly deserved the win in a performance that exposed defensive frailties for the visitors.