Atleti Crush Rayo, Consolidates Third Spot in LaLiga

Atletico Madrid secures a crucial win over Rayo Vallecano, staying in the hunt for a top spot in LaLiga. Find out more about the match.

Atletico Madrid kept their slim LaLiga title hopes alive with a 3-0 home victory over Rayo Vallecano, solidifying their third-place position. Although they're 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid with five games left, the win showcased their determination.

Alexander Sørloth scored the opening goal inside three minutes, heading in Giuliano Simeone's cross. The Norwegian striker was nearly prolific early on, hitting the bar with a header and having a near-post strike saved by Augusto Batalla, highlighting Atletico's attacking prowess.

Three goals and three points at home! pic.twitter.com/m92xiLc9bB

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 24, 2025

Rayo Vallecano gradually settled into the match, creating opportunities through Isi Palazón, who forced a good save from Jan Oblak with a well-placed shot. Despite this, Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sørloth continued to cause problems for the visitors' defense, using his physicality to create space. However, he missed a chance to double the lead with a header over the bar from six yards out.

The hosts made a strong statement at the end of the first half, with Conor Gallagher scoring a stylish goal, nodding in Rodrigo De Paul's delivery with a glancing header. After the break, Palazón kept testing Oblak with a header that the Atletico captain superbly tipped over. Despite chances for Rayo, including a volley over the bar from Andrei Ratiu, Atletico's defense held firm.

Atletico Madrid nearly conceded after a clever setup by Julián Alvarez for substitute Antoine Griezmann, but the Frenchman shot wide. However, the situation quickly reversed, and Alvarez scored a decisive goal in the 77th minute. He sprinted clear and calmly side-footed the ball home, sealing a 3-0 win for Atletico.

The loss is a setback for Rayo Vallecano, who sit 11th but remain just three points behind the final European qualification spot. Despite the defeat, their chances of securing a second-ever continental appearance stay alive for now.