Nteka nets late winner as substitute to help Rayo Vallecano defeat struggling Elche

Encouraged by a major victory against other strugglers Mallorca ahead of the international break, Elche began swiftly and nearly opened the scoring straight from the kick-off, yet Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla remained sharp at his near post to grasp Rafa Mir’s effort.

The home side countered with their own chance, as Alvaro Garcia blasted directly at Matias Dituro’s gloves. Mir soon resumed his hunt for the first goal just before the 15-minute mark with another quick shot that Batalla collected comfortably.

Elche’s leading marksman completed three on-target attempts for the away team in the 18th minute via a bold curling strike, which Batalla positioned himself well to stop and maintain the scoreless tie. Although Elche dominated much of the play near the goal, Rayo should have broken through after 34 minutes.

Set clear on goal by Alemao’s incisive pass through the defence, Garcia’s choice to shoot immediately rather than control the ball proved costly as he cleared the crossbar by a wide margin. The lively opening period concluded with Elche’s skipper Pedro Bigas receiving a red card following a second yellow for a raised foot on opponent Oscar Valentin.

Bigas’s sending-off compelled Elche coach Eder Sarabia to adjust at the interval, and Mir had to depart to allow Adria Pedrosa to enter. The newcomer almost influenced the match right away, though his effort from close range did not truly test Batalla. Pep Chavarria compelled Dituro to a more significant stop past the hour, yet Rayo’s determination would pay off in time.

Under 10 minutes after appearing from the bench, Randy Nteka slipped past his defender to deftly steer Alvaro Garcia’s threatening cross beyond Dituro in the six-yard box, claiming his first goal for the club since January 2025.

This clinched what may be Rayo’s most vital points this season, easing their drop zone concerns before their UEFA Conference League quarter-final on Thursday. For Elche, a sixth consecutive league loss on the road positions them just two points clear of the relegation spots, and the situation might deteriorate further if both Mallorca and Levante overtake them later this weekend.