Rayo Vallecano demolish AEK Athens to edge closer to Conference League semi-finals

Rayo have secured first-leg victories in six of their last eight two-legged European encounters (D1, L1), and their bid for another opening success sparked within two minutes.

Alvaro Garcia set up the opener with a clever pullback into the area, which Ilias Akhomach swept home with precision into the far corner, marking the Moroccan's first strike since his loan move from Villarreal.

Far from rattled by the quick concession, AEK mounted a strong comeback, as Luka Jovic and Aboubakary Koïta had two dangerous efforts from close range denied.

In the 20th minute, Rayo believed they had a second, with Florian Lejeune cleverly deflecting Akhomach's low shot into goal, yet Unai Lopez was ruled offside for blocking Thomas Strakosha's line of sight.

Eager to capitalise on the narrow escape, the away side nearly levelled when Barnabas Varga's firm header was brilliantly diverted onto the upright by Augusto Batalla.

That close miss haunted AEK, as the home team netted again right before the interval via Lopez, who finished from close range after Strakosha managed only to push away Akhomach's first attempt.

Having failed to win in nine prior trips to Spain (D2, L7), Marko Nikolic's side enjoyed more possession following the break.

However, genuine chances remained scarce, and even as Rayo eased off, they posed the greater danger up front, exemplified by Alemao's effort that drifted just past the post from within the penalty area.

A prime opportunity arose for the hosts to pull further ahead in the 74th minute after Filipe Relvas was adjudged to have handled in the box, and Isi Palazon converted coolly from 12 yards, deceiving Strakosha for his sixth goal this campaign.

As the clock ticked into the last 15 minutes, AEK fought to limit the harm, while Alemao nearly struck again for Rayo with a long-distance shot that shaved the outside of the post.

The Greeks crafted one last notable opportunity in added time, but Zini nodded harmlessly astray from eight yards, allowing Rayo to claim a dominant first-leg triumph and prolong AEK's poor run against Spanish teams.