What Rayo Vallecano offer as Strasbourg’s Conference League semi-final opponents | OneFootball

Strasbourg meet a daring, front-foot Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League semi-finals, a Liga side whose attacking intent can leave gaps.

Rayo reached a first-ever European last four by edging AEK Athens, winning 3-0 at home before a 3-1 loss away. L'Équipe notes this is only their second European campaign. They are 13th in La Liga, three points off the drop, operating on a €50 million budget.

Built for knockout ties, Rayo play with high intensity and rapid counters. Wingers Álvaro García and Jorge De Frutos have 12 goals each, and De Frutos became only the second Rayo player ever to earn a Spain call-up this season. Right-back Andrei Ratiu was the fastest player in Europe’s big five leagues last season.

The Madrid club rarely shrink against Spain’s elite, particularly at the Nuevo Estadio de Vallecas. Barcelona drew 1-1 there this season, Real Madrid 0-0, and Atlético were beaten 3-0.

Coach Iñigo Pérez, 38, formerly Andoni Iraola’s assistant, matched the club’s best Liga finish last year, eighth like 2012-2013. He has tightened some aspects without blunting ambition, though they can be exposed in defensive transitions. After a diligent European run, fifth in the league phase, Pérez says the group share strong bonds, and the underdogs now hope to reach the Leipzig final.

Source: L'Équipe