Roy Rabibo Earns Penalty as Elche Defeats Rayo Vallecano 2-0

Israeli player Roy Rabibo was instrumental in Elche's 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish League's tenth round. Rabibo, who remains in Elche's starting lineup following a VAR error that cost his team a penalty in the previous match, drew a foul inside the box in the 23rd minute, leading to Federico Redondo's opening goal. Elche, currently below the relegation zone, had drawn their last match 0-0 against Villarreal. The team's goalkeeper, Matías Dituro, expressed optimism, stating, "The feeling is very positive. We've earned five points in the last three games, but we need to win the next one." Elche extended their lead in the 36th minute when Thoma Lemar was fouled, and Pau Torres converted the penalty for his sixth goal of the season, making it 2-0. Rayo Vallecano had an opportunity to get back into the game in the 39th minute after a handball, but Fatah Siss missed the penalty, hitting the crossbar. Rabibo nearly scored his first goal in the 45th minute, but his header was saved off the line by the post.

Meanwhile, the match's conclusion was uncertain due to protests by Rayo Vallecano fans against club president Martín Presa. Fans planned to disrupt the game by throwing paper planes and rubber balls onto the field, similar to a previous match against Athletic Bilbao that was halted by similar protests. In other league matches, Alavés drew 1-1 with Málaga. The upcoming fixture between Atlético Madrid and Deportivo La Coruña was also highlighted, with Atlético Madrid aiming to extend their winning streak and stay close to league leaders Barcelona. Atlético, second in the table, will be without injured players Cristian Romero and Koke, while Deportivo will miss Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marc Casadó among others. Historically, Atlético has a strong record against La Coruña, having won their last 12 home games against them.