Rayo Vallecano 3 : 0 Elche - Rayo up and running

Posted Tuesday, August 20, 2013 by PA

Rayo Vallecano kicked off the new season with all three points by earning a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Elche.

New signing Alberto Bueno got the opening goal after 40 minutes, Alberto Perea doubled the lead right on the stroke of half-time with a sensational strike, and Bueno wrapped up the points by adding the third with 16 minutes to go.

Both sides fielded radically different teams from last season, following wholesale squad overhauls in the summer, but Rayo's players settled easier and controlled the game from start to finish.

Jose Carlos fired the first warning shot at Elche goalkeeper Manu Herrera after a matter of minutes, and later on sent a shot just wide of the far post.

In between those efforts, Elche had their only opportunity of the half, which Aaron Niguez screwed just wide of the post following a cut-back.

Bueno then opened things up with a well-struck shot from inside the area following a lay-off from Saul Niguez, leaving Herrera with no chance.

Rayo were worthy of their lead and only a few minutes later were able to extend it.

Perea, who had replaced Carlos nine minutes earlier, picked up the ball in space in midfield and took a few touches before driving it into the top left-hand corner from around 30 yards out to stake claim for goal of the opening weekend in the Primera Division.

Elche were unable to offer a better response after the break, creating just one real opening, a shot from Ferran Coro from a tight angle which Rayo goalkeeper David Cobeno managed to push wide.

With their best chance to get back into the game squandered, the game then slipped away from the visitors altogether when Bueno grabbed a second just two minutes later.

The Real Madrid youth product, who joined Rayo this summer from Valladolid, let fire from the right-hand side, outside the area, and his shot crashed in off the post, capping a fine debut for the 25-year-old.

Although Rayo parted ways with many of the players that lead them to finish eighth in the Primera Division last season - their highest top-flight finish in their history - on this display coach Paco Jemez will feel confident his team can have another positive campaign.

Elche, meanwhile, will be wary about their chances of remaining in the top flight, particularly if they continue to struggle to create chances, as they did in their first game back.