Wire flash
SportsSergio Camello Scores but Rayo Vallecano Falls 2-1 to Hearts in Preseason Friendly
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
Rayo Vallecano began the Beñat San José era with a 2-1 preseason defeat to Scottish side Heart of Midlothian in Edinburgh. Striker Sergio Camello scored Rayo's only goal in the second half, continuing his strong form from the end of last season. Camello expressed satisfaction with his fitness and goal-scoring touch, noting that 'when goals come from rebounds, it means your arrow is pointing up.' Coach Beñat San José changed all 11 players at halftime, giving debuts to academy products Marco Román and Sergio Lozano. Despite the loss, San José praised his team's attitude and intensity, saying there is room for improvement. Rayo Vallecano's next preseason test will be against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Source report
Updated: 18/07/2026 - 11:00 CEST By: MARCOS DEL BAÑO
Match Summary
The "new" Rayo Vallecano under manager Beñat San José began their preseason with a defeat. The team traveled to Scotland to face Heart of Midlothian, falling 2-1 to the Scottish runners-up.
Two goals from Amadou Ba-Sy proved enough to overcome the red-and-white side. Rayo reduced the deficit in the second half with a goal from Sergio Camello, who continues his scoring streak regardless of the coach in charge, carrying forward the good form he showed at the end of last season.
Related: Two headers overwhelm the new Rayo of Beñat San José
Sergio Camello: "My Arrow Is Pointing Up"
Speaking after the match, Camello reflected on the team's performance and his own form:
"The team gave everything it had because for now this is it. We tried to control the game, we managed to score a goal and put some pressure in the second half where we had chances to equalize."
In the second half, Beñat San José made a complete substitution, changing all eleven starters. Academy players Marco Román and Sergio Lozano made their debuts.
"The positive thing is that we have started the season, there are good feelings and things to correct, which is also good because we have room for improvement and it's all uphill from here."
Camello, a key piece for Rayo Vallecano, added:
"We started the way we finished. When goals come from rebounds, sometimes you like it because it means your arrow is pointing up and everything you try goes well. To continue the good momentum of finding the net and happy because I think I've arrived in good shape. I'm also building rhythm but with a good feeling."
Beñat San José Pleased with Team's Attitude
The Basque coach's debut with Rayo Vallecano improved as the match progressed. After a shaky first half with the ball, the second-half substitutions brought a more recognizable team to the pitch.
"I saw the team well, very intense, with an extraordinary attitude. That's what will give us that football, but also that period of physical gain."
Despite the defeat, San José expressed satisfaction with his players' performance:
"We went from less to more, we had our chances to score more goals and, obviously, we also have many things we've noted to polish and improve. The attitude of the lads has been very good and that is the main objective."
Next Test
Rayo Vallecano's next preseason fixture will take place in the Netherlands, where they will face Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
See Links of Interest
- World Cup
- World Cup Results
- World Cup Schedule
- La Liga
- Segunda División
- National Team
- World Cup Top Scorers
- World Cup Final
- Spain Lineup Today
- World Cup Final Time
Source
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaWestern
Part of this Story
Rayo Vallecano Loses 2-1 to Hearts in Preseason Friendly Under New Coach