Introduction
Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups are important for football fans who want to understand how both teams play. The way players are placed on the field can change the whole game. Coaches choose players based on their skills, fitness, and how they can help the team win. Knowing the lineups gives fans a better idea of what to expect from the match. It helps them see which team is stronger in attack, defense, and midfield. This makes the match more exciting for those watching.
On January 31, 2025, Rayo Vallecano played against CD Leganés in a close and competitive match. The game took place at Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Both teams gave a strong performance, but in the end, Rayo Vallecano scored the only goal. Midfielder Pathé Ciss found the back of the net and helped his team take a 1-0 win. This match showed how important the starting eleven is and how changes in the lineup can affect the result.
Fans who followed the game closely paid attention to each player on the field. The formations used, the way players were positioned, and the tactics applied made a big difference. That is why looking at the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups helps us learn more about team strategy and match outcomes.
Match Overview
The match between Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés took place on January 31, 2025. The venue was Estadio Municipal de Butarque, the home ground of CD Leganés. The stadium was filled with fans who came to support their teams in this much-anticipated face-off.
The final score was CD Leganés 0 – 1 Rayo Vallecano. It was a tight match with strong defense from both sides. Each team worked hard to control the ball and create scoring chances. But only one moment made the difference in the game.
That moment came in the 78th minute, when Pathé Ciss scored a goal for Rayo Vallecano. The goal was clean and well-timed. It gave Rayo Vallecano the lead and eventually secured their victory. CD Leganés tried to equalize but could not break through the defense.
This result showed how one goal can decide the outcome of a game. It also proved how player choices in the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups can directly affect the final result.
Confirmed Lineups
Knowing the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups helps fans understand how both teams planned their game. Each lineup shows the coach’s strategy and the role of every player on the field.
CD Leganés Starting XI (3-2-4-1 Formation)
CD Leganés used a 3-2-4-1 formation, which is strong in midfield and helps control the center of the pitch.
- Goalkeeper: Marko Dmitrovic stood in goal with the task of stopping Rayo’s attack.
- Defenders: Valentin Rosier, Sergio González, and Matija Nastasić formed the backline. Their main focus was to stay strong at the back and stop any runs from Rayo’s forwards.
- Midfielders: Adrià Altimira and Juan Cruz played deeper in the middle. Ahead of them were Daniel Raba, Seydouba Cissé, Yvan Neyou Noupa, and Óscar Rodríguez, who were expected to push forward and support the lone striker.
- Forward: Munir El Haddadi was the main striker, looking to take chances and score for Leganés.
Rayo Vallecano Starting XI (4-2-3-1 Formation)
Rayo Vallecano went with a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving them balance between defense and attack.
- Goalkeeper: Augusto Batalla started in goal, ready to command the backline and handle any threats from Leganés.
- Defenders: The back four included Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Abdul Mumin, and Pep Chavarría. They worked together to stay organized and prevent any gaps.
- Midfielders: Pathé Ciss and Unai López played as the holding midfielders. In front of them, Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazón, and Álvaro García formed the attacking line, supporting the main forward.
- Forward: Randy Nteka led the attack, trying to find space and create goal-scoring chances.
Both lineups showed a clear plan from the managers. The battle in midfield was expected to be the key part of this match, and the players chosen for each formation played a major role in how the game unfolded. The choices made in the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups gave fans and experts plenty to analyze.
Substitutions & Tactical Adjustments
Substitutions are key moments in a match. They bring fresh energy, change team shape, and often shift the momentum. In the case of Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups, the second-half changes played an important part in how the game developed.
CD Leganés Substitutions
CD Leganés made some early moves to adjust their strategy.
- Munir El Haddadi, who started as the forward, was taken off at halftime. This change showed the coach’s need for a new approach in attack.
- Later in the match, Jorge Sáenz and Miguel de la Fuente came on. These substitutions were made to strengthen the midfield and offer new options going forward, but the team still struggled to break through Rayo Vallecano’s defense.
These changes helped Leganés press harder, but they did not create enough clear chances to change the scoreline.
Rayo Vallecano Substitutions
Rayo Vallecano also made smart changes to protect their lead and manage the match.
- In the 76th minute, Jorge de Frutos and Unai López were substituted. They had worked hard in midfield, and the new players helped keep the team’s shape strong.
- In the 86th minute, defenders Andrei Ratiu and Álvaro García were replaced. This was a tactical move to slow down the game and hold onto the 1-0 lead.
These late changes gave Rayo fresh legs in defense and helped them stay organized until the final whistle. It showed that the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups, along with timely substitutions, played a big role in securing the result.
Match Statistics
Looking at the numbers from the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés match gives a clear picture of how the game was played. These stats help explain the flow of the match and show which team had more control and chances to score.
- Possession: Rayo Vallecano had 66.5% of the ball, while CD Leganés had only 33.5%. This shows that Rayo kept the ball for most of the game and controlled the pace.
- Shots on Target: Rayo Vallecano had 3 shots on target, and CD Leganés had 1. This means Rayo created more real chances to score, and their goal by Pathé Ciss was one of them.
- Total Shots: Rayo Vallecano took 19 shots during the match. CD Leganés only managed 5. This shows Rayo was much more active in attack and tried many ways to break through the defense.
- Corners: Rayo Vallecano earned 9 corners, while CD Leganés had just 2. This is another sign that Rayo spent more time in the attacking half and forced the Leganés defense to block and clear the ball often.
- Yellow Cards: Rayo Vallecano received 4 yellow cards, and CD Leganés got 2. This suggests the match had some intense moments and physical challenges, especially as both sides tried to hold control.
These stats support the result and show why Rayo Vallecano came out on top. The Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups worked well for Rayo, giving them more control and chances throughout the game.
Tactical Analysis
Understanding the tactics behind the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups helps explain how the game was shaped by formations, player roles, and positioning. Each team had a different approach, and this made a big difference in the final outcome.
CD Leganés
Formation Impact
CD Leganés used a 3-2-4-1 formation, which helped them stay strong in the center of the field. With extra midfielders, they tried to control possession and slow down Rayo’s attacks through the middle. However, this setup left open spaces on the wings. Rayo Vallecano used this weakness to create chances from the sides and stretch the defense.
Player Performance
One of the standout players for Leganés was Juan Cruz. Playing as a left-back, he did more than just defend. He pushed forward to support the attack and made useful passes to midfielders and forwards. He was active in both directions and showed great effort, even though the team could not find the goal.
Rayo Vallecano
Formation Effectiveness
Rayo Vallecano played with a 4-2-3-1 formation. This structure gave them balance. The back four stayed solid, while the two holding midfielders added extra protection and control. The three attacking midfielders supported the striker and made smart runs to create space. This shape helped Rayo switch from defense to attack smoothly and hold their lead after scoring.
Key Contributors
The key player in Rayo’s lineup was Pathé Ciss. He played a strong game in the midfield, breaking up Leganés’ plays and starting attacks for his own team. His goal in the 78th minute was the game-changer. But more than the goal, his control in the middle made him one of the best players on the field. His performance showed how much influence one midfielder can have when used in the right system.
Standout Performers
Every match has key players who leave a strong mark through their performance. In the case of Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés, a few names stood out because of their skill, effort, and impact during the game. These players influenced how the match played out on both ends of the pitch.
Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano)
Pathé Ciss was the most important player in the game. He scored the only goal of the match in the 78th minute, giving Rayo Vallecano the win. But his contribution went beyond just scoring. He controlled the midfield, won back possession, and helped the team move forward. His positioning, passing, and calmness under pressure made a big difference. He was the engine of Rayo’s midfield and clearly earned his praise.
Florian Lejeune (Rayo Vallecano)
Florian Lejeune played a major role in keeping Rayo Vallecano’s defense strong. He stayed alert, made clearances when needed, and kept the backline organized. His experience showed through every challenge and block. Thanks to his leadership in defense, Rayo was able to stop CD Leganés from scoring and finish the game with a clean sheet.
Juan Cruz (CD Leganés)
Even though CD Leganés did not win, Juan Cruz delivered a strong performance. As a left-back, he worked hard in defense and also joined the attack when possible. He created chances for his teammates and helped in holding possession. His ability to switch between defending and attacking showed his value on the field. He was one of the few bright spots for Leganés in a tough match.
These standout players gave everything on the pitch and helped shape the story of the match. Their roles within the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups proved how individual efforts can make a big impact in team sports.
Historical Head-To-Head
The past meetings between Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés give useful context to their recent match. Looking at the history helps fans understand the rivalry, trends, and how each team usually performs against the other.
Recent Encounters
Before this latest match, Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés faced each other in a La Liga game that ended in a 1-1 draw. That game was close, with both teams showing strong defense and careful play. Neither side could find a winning goal, and the result reflected how evenly matched they were at the time.
Overall Record
In past head-to-head matchups, CD Leganés has held a slight advantage over Rayo Vallecano. Leganés has managed more wins overall, often by staying compact and taking their chances when they come. However, the difference between the two teams has never been large, and most matches have been closely contested.
This background adds extra meaning to the recent result. Rayo Vallecano’s win on January 31, 2025, helped balance the record and showed how the current Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups played a role in shifting momentum in their favor.
Upcoming Fixtures
After their recent match, both CD Leganés and Rayo Vallecano are preparing for their upcoming La Liga fixtures.
CD Leganés
CD Leganés is set to face Real Betis on March 16, 2025, at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. This match will be crucial for Leganés as they aim to improve their position in the league standings.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano will host Getafe on May 2, 2025, at the Estadio de Vallecas. This fixture is significant for Rayo Vallecano as they seek to secure a better spot in the league table.
How to Watch
Fans who followed the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés game had several options to enjoy the live action. The match was available through live streaming platforms such as DAZN and ESPN Deportes. These platforms allowed viewers to watch the full match in real-time, including pre-match coverage and expert analysis. Whether watching on a mobile device or smart TV, these services made it easy for fans around the world to stay connected to the action. Highlights and replays were also uploaded after the match for those who missed the live stream.
Conclusion
Looking at the full picture of the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups, it is clear that the way players were placed on the field had a strong effect on the match. Rayo Vallecano used a formation that brought balance between defense and attack. Their changes during the match were smart and helped them keep control until the final whistle. On the other side, CD Leganés showed effort and had a formation that worked in parts, especially in midfield, but they could not finish their chances.
This match proves how important lineup decisions are. From formations to substitutions, every move counts. Coaches who understand their team’s strengths and plan accordingly usually get better results. This is why fans and experts continue to study lineups—they show the heart of the match strategy. The January 31st game showed just how powerful good planning and teamwork can be.
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