Rayo Vallecano achieved a 1-0 victory against RC Strasbourg in their first-ever European semi-final at Vallecas on April 30, 2026. The match was tightly contested, with both teams struggling to create clear chances, but Rayo's intensity proved decisive in the second half.

The atmosphere was electric, with fans creating a festival-like environment that almost overshadowed the match itself. Strasbourg started strongly, showcasing smooth ball movement, particularly through Julio Enciso, who threatened Rayo's defense. However, Florian Lejeune's defensive interventions kept the French side at bay.

Key moments of the match included:

• Alemao nearly scoring for Rayo with a header, but it was the corner taken by Isi Palazon that brought the breakthrough.
• A flick from Alemao off a corner led to the only goal, igniting the home crowd's passion.

As the game progressed, Rayo's midfield and defense began to dominate, effectively stifling Strasbourg's attempts to counter. Despite a few chances, including a late opportunity for Gerard Gumbau, Rayo maintained their lead without fully capitalizing on their dominance.

The match concluded with Strasbourg appearing physically drained, while Rayo heads into the second leg with a slight advantage. The home side's spirited performance and the crowd's support reflected their determination as they chanted ‘Yes we can’ during their lap of honor, setting the stage for an intriguing return fixture in France.