Sergio Camello's brace lifts Rayo Vallecano to 3-2 win

Rayo Vallecano defeated Racing Santander 3-2 at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on Saturday, securing the win after a 2-2 half-time score. The result gave Rayo a valuable victory in La Liga’s fourth regular-season round, while Racing left Madrid without a point despite holding a narrow edge in possession.

Five goals in an open first half

Racing made the faster start when Sergio Canales opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Rayo responded in the 17th minute, with Andrei Rațiu converting after an assist from Sergio Camello. Pablo García restored Racing’s advantage in the 28th minute, but the hosts again found an answer before the interval. Camello scored in the 43rd minute, assisted by Unai López, to send the teams into half-time level.

The decisive moment arrived only two minutes after the restart. Camello completed his brace in the 47th minute, again benefiting from a pass by López, putting Rayo 3-2 ahead. Racing could not find another equaliser, although the visitors finished with 51% possession and completed 331 accurate passes compared with Rayo’s 316.

Rayo sharper in front of goal

The scoreline reflected Rayo’s greater threat in the attacking areas. The home side recorded 16 total shots to Racing’s 10, including 10 efforts on goal compared with five for the visitors. Rayo also had nine shots inside the box, while Racing had five. Racing’s goalkeeper made six saves, three more than Rayo’s goalkeeper, underlining how frequently the hosts tested him.

Racing did have more total passes, 409 to 384, and won the free-kick count 15-12, but those advantages did not translate into goals after García’s strike. Rayo’s nine corners to six and their superior shot numbers helped explain how they turned an even, high-scoring first half into a home victory.

Camello leads the ratings as discipline worsens

Camello was the standout performer, receiving a 9.5 rating after scoring twice and supplying one assist in 57 minutes. He also registered three shots on target and three key passes. López was another major influence, finishing with two assists and five key passes in 90 minutes.

The closing stages became increasingly disciplinary. Rayo’s Óscar Valentín, Sergio Camello and Florian Lejeune were booked, while Racing’s Yassir Zabiri and Iñigo Vicente also received yellow cards. Rayo then had Francisco Pérez Martínez sent off in the 85th minute and Jorge De Frutos dismissed in the 89th, ending with two red cards to Racing’s none.

Result changes the early-season picture

Rayo had entered the match 18th with one point from three games after a loss, draw and loss. This victory lifts their immediate form and brings a significant points return. Racing, previously 11th on four points, had started with a draw, loss and win; the defeat leaves them on the same total and ends that sequence on a setback.