Rayo Vallecano lose 2-1 to Feyenoord in rain-soaked Rotterdam friendly

Updated: 26/07/2026 - 16:34 CEST By: MARCOS DEL BAÑO

Beñat San José's second test with Rayo Vallecano ended in defeat after 120 minutes of stormy conditions at De Kuip. Following a full week in the Netherlands, the red-and-white side faced Feyenoord in one of their most challenging preseason friendlies, a match that included extra time as agreed 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, while Álvaro García equalized following a perfect pass from Jorge De Frutos and a dribble past the goalkeeper — the best news of the match. The tie-breaking goal was scored by Van Den Elshout.

Starting XI and Tactical Setup

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 the midfield. Nobel Mendy made his debut as a full-fledged Rayo player.

Rayo wore last season's alternate jersey with white shorts and socks. However, the white of the shorts and socks did not 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.

First Half: Feyenoord Strike First

Feyenoord came out stronger 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.

The first goal featured both as protagonists. The Italian-Dutch player lifted the ball toward the central position of Zechiël, who left it with ample quality for the young Van Persie to convert 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 of the red-and-white side was exponential; however, Zechiël nearly 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-and-white team up to that point — and then with the equalizing goal.

The Equalizer

In the 41st minute, Jorge De Frutos produced a brilliant pass with his right foot to his adventure partner 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: Reduced Rhythm

The second half had much less rhythm. Substitutions and the rain slowed the dynamism of the game. Chances came sparingly, although Rayo Vallecano did not suffer excessively. Wessels was tasked with testing 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.

Extra Time: Decisive Blow

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

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 pointed to the spot for a penalty in an action by Wessels inside the area. However, the Dutchman insisted on not penalizing his compatriots.

Conclusion

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

Match Stats: 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.

Rayo Vallecano: (lineup not fully listed in original)

Related: Rayo Vallecano launches its 2026/27 season ticket campaign with price increases

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