Friendly: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Feyenoord, Van Persie Jr. Scores

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-sashed side faced Feyenoord in one of their most challenging preseason friendlies, with extra time agreed upon by both clubs.

The score after the first 90 minutes stood at 1-1. The home side took the lead through Shaqueel Van Persie, son of Dutch legend Robin van Persie. Álvaro García equalized with a well-taken goal 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 Key Performances

Beñat San José fielded a largely 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, while De Frutos and Álvaro García returned to the wings. Captain Óscar Valentín anchored the midfield, and Nobel Mendy made his debut as a full-fledged Rayo player.

Rayo wore last season's alternative kit with white shorts and socks — though the white did not last long, as rain and the pitch took their toll. The visitors were overwhelmed by their opponent early on.

First Half: Feyenoord Strike First, Rayo Respond

Feyenoord came out stronger in front of a sparse crowd, creating danger through the quality of Luciano Valente to break lines and Shaqueel Van Persie to attack loose balls.

The opening goal featured both players. Valente lifted the ball toward Zechiël, who laid it off with quality for Van Persie to finish first-time with his left foot past Batalla.

The 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, though Zechiël nearly spoiled those good feelings with a clear chance he failed to convert.

Feyenoord eventually paid for their missed opportunities. First, a mistake by Thijs Kraaijeveld led to a shot from Ratiu — Rayo's clearest chance up to that point — and then came the equalizer.

In the 41st minute, Jorge De Frutos produced a brilliant right-footed pass to Álvaro García. The Utrera-born winger evaded the goalkeeper with an exquisite dribble and finished comfortably — a great goal that provided a source of optimism.

Second Half: Reduced Rhythm, Few Chances

The second half had much less rhythm. Substitutions and rain slowed the dynamism of the game. Chances came sparingly, though Rayo Vallecano did not suffer excessively. Wessels was tasked with testing Miguel Morro, who had come on for Batalla.

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

Extra Time: Feyenoord Clinch the Win

Resuming in the 90th minute, Sam Steijin again collided with Morro — 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 foul by Wessels inside the area, but the Dutch official insisted on not penalizing his compatriots.

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

Match Facts: 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: [Substitutes and additional players as per match report]

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

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