Rayo Vallecano managed to advance to the second round of the Copa del Rey after an intense contest with Recreativo de Huelva, which ended 3‑2 in favor of the team from the Second Federation. The match, played at the Nuevo Colombino in front of 19,000 spectators, was marked by a series of dramatic events that included goals, expulsions and an extra time that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
From the beginning, Recreativo showed its intention to prevail. Ale Marín opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a great goal that combined an individual action and a powerful shot, leaving the Rayo goalkeeper with no opportunities. The goal seemed to define the match, but Rayo did not give up. In the 43rd minute, Alemao equalized the score for Recreativo after a penalty, and shortly after, in the 96th minute, Alemao himself scored again, putting the visitors ahead 2‑1.
Rayo Vallecano, however, was not far behind. In the 97th minute, forward Jorge De Frutos scored his second goal of the game, putting Rayo back into a 2‑1 lead. Just two minutes later, Recreativo scored a penalty goal that made the score 3‑1, leaving Rayo at a disadvantage that seemed insurmountable. The pressure intensified when the referee sent off local player Roan Riera in the 42nd minute and visiting player Lejeune in the 108th minute, further reducing Recreativo.
Despite the numerical inferiority, Recreativo showed iron determination. In extra time, Paolo Romero converted a penalty in the 109th minute, reducing the difference to 3‑2 and keeping the hope of a comeback alive. Rayo Vallecano, with a titanic effort, managed to contain the Huelva team and force a penalty shootout, although the final result was 3‑2 in favor of Rayo. The referee, Busquets Ferrer, sanctioned several fouls and expulsions, including the expulsion of Lejeune and that of Riera, which added tension to the outcome of the match.
With this victory, Rayo Vallecano advances to the second round of the Copa del Rey, while Recreativo de Huelva, despite the defeat, remains in the competition with the possibility of continuing to compete in future rounds. The next challenge for Rayo will be to face a new rival in the group stage, while Recreativo will seek to recover and continue fighting in the Cup.