Friendly: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Feyenoord, Van Persie's son scores

Updated: 26/07/2026 - 16:34 CEST

De Frutos battles for the ball with Ernst. Rayo Vallecano.

By MARCOS DEL BAÑO

Beñat San José's second test with Rayo Vallecano ended in defeat during 120 minutes of stormy weather at De Kuip. After a full week in the Netherlands, the red-striped side faced Feyenoord in one of the most challenging pre-season matches due to the Dutch club's level, with extra time agreed upon by both clubs.

The result after the first 90 minutes was a 1-1 draw. The hosts took the lead with a goal from Shaqueel Van Persie, son of the Dutch legend, and Álvaro García equalized following a perfect pass from Jorge De Frutos and a dribble past the goalkeeper — the best news of the match. The winning goal was scored by Van Den Elshout.

Starting XI and Early Action

Beñat San José opted for a fairly recognizable starting eleven. With Vertrouwd on the left flank as the main novelty, the Basque coach lined up Sergio Camello and Alemao as a double striker. De Frutos and Álvaro García returned to the wings, and captain Óscar Valentín to midfield. Nobel Mendy made his debut as a full-fledged Rayo player.

Rayo wore last season's away shirt with the bottom part of the first kit. The white of the shorts and socks didn't last long, as rain and mud took their toll on the Rayo players, who were overwhelmed by their opponent at the start of the match. Feyenoord came out better in front of their sparse crowd (many seats were empty) and created danger through the quality of Luciano Valente to break lines and Shaqueel Van Persie to attack those balls.

First Half: Goals and Response

The first goal of the match featured both Valente and Van Persie as protagonists. The Italian-Dutch player lifted the ball towards the central position of Zechiël, who left it with ample quality for the young Van Persie to finish first-time with his left foot to one side of Batalla.

This goal served as a wake-up call for Rayo Vallecano, who began to dominate possession with Unai López as their compass. The improvement was exponential; however, Zechiël almost ruined those good feelings with a clear chance he failed to finish well.

Feyenoord eventually paid for it, first with a mistake by Thijs Kraaijeveld that ended with a shot from Ratiu — the clearest chance for the red-striped team up to that point — and then with the equalizing goal.

In the 41st minute, Jorge De Frutos produced a brilliant pass with his right foot to Álvaro García. The player from Utrera evaded the goalkeeper with an exquisite dribble and finished comfortably — a great goal that provides a source of optimism.

Second Half and Extra Time

The second half had much less rhythm. Substitutions and rain slowed the dynamism of the game. Chances came sparingly, although Rayo Vallecano did not suffer excessively. Wessels was the one to test Miguel Morro, who came on for Batalla.

The substitutions gave the match a more horizontal feel, and chances were delayed until the final minutes. Tengstedt in the 80th minute and Nteka with a header in the 86th added excitement to the final moments before the agreed-upon extra time.

Resuming the match in the 90th minute, Sam Steijn again collided with Morro. This chance was a warning of what came in the 99th minute.

Tengstedt battles for the ball with Nteka and Balliu. Rayo Vallecano.

Kasanwirjo shook up the match with a lofted pass to the promising Van Den Elshout, who finished under Miguel Morro. The result could have been equalized again if referee Van der Laan had called a penalty for a Wessels action inside the area. However, the Dutchman insisted on not penalizing his compatriots.

Second test for the new Rayo and another defeat, but the good feelings are 'in crescendo'.

Match Sheet: Feyenoord vs. Rayo Vallecano

Feyenoord: Tjark Ernst; Read, St Juste, Kraaijeveld, Mika Mármol; Zechiël, Vanhoutte; Shaqueel Van Persie, Luciano Valente, Gonçalo Borges and Nacho Ferri.

Also played: Gaoussou Diarra, Wessels, Steijn, Targhalline, Tengstedt, Lotomba, Van den Elshout, Deijl, Kasanwirjo, Zinhagel, Bossin