Rayo Vallecano Advance in UEFA Conference League After Hard-Fought Victory Against Samsunspor

Rayo Vallecano secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League despite a 1-0 defeat away to Samsunspor on March 19, 2026. The Spanish side progressed 3-2 on aggregate, having won the first leg 3-1.

Match Recap

The match at Estadio de Vallecas remained goalless until the 65th minute when Cherif Ndiaye scored for Samsunspor, assisted by Mouandilmadji.^ESPN Despite the late goal, Samsunspor were unable to find a second to force extra time.

Key Moments

• 2nd minute: Álvaro García’s shot for Rayo Vallecano narrowly missed the post.
• 9th minute: Samsunspor goalkeeper Okan Kocuk saved a shot from Jorge de Frutos.
• 13th minute: Mouandilmadji’s attempt for Samsunspor went just over the crossbar.
• 17th minute: Okan Kocuk again denied De Frutos in a one-on-one situation.
• 45+2 minute: Mouandilmadji’s shot narrowly missed the post.
• 65th minute: Cherif Ndiaye scored the only goal of the match for Samsunspor.
• 87th minute: Sergio Camello’s header for Rayo Vallecano went narrowly wide.

Team Lineups

Rayo Vallecano

Batalla, Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarria, Palazon, Ciss, Lopez, De Frutos, Garcia, Alemao.^ESPN

Samsunspor

Okan, Mendes, Yunus Emre, Satka, Van Drongelen, Tomasson, Celil, Makoumbou, Holse, Ndiaye, Mouandilmadji.^ESPN

Statistics

Possession: Rayo Vallecano 43.6%, Samsunspor 56.4%^ESPN

Shots on Goal: Rayo Vallecano 6, Samsunspor 2^ESPN

Shot Attempts: Rayo Vallecano 19, Samsunspor 9^ESPN

Yellow Cards: Rayo Vallecano 2, Samsunspor 4^ESPN

Corner Kicks: Rayo Vallecano 13, Samsunspor 1^ESPN

Next Steps for Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano will now advance to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League. Their opponent and the details of the next match will be announced shortly.^{BBC Sport}