Brazilian forward Alemao netted the decisive goal as Rayo Vallecano edged Strasbourg 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final clash on Thursday.
With both sides chasing a historic first European final, the breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute.
Unai Lopez delivered a corner into the near post, where Alemao attempted a header but instead saw the ball glance off his right shoulder and loop into the far corner.
The contest was lively but untidy, with the referee handing out nine yellow cards, four to the hosts and five to the visitors. Strasbourg began brightly, applying early pressure, but Rayo gradually asserted themselves.
Backed by a vibrant crowd inside the 15,000-capacity Vallecas Stadium, the Spanish side took control of proceedings and dominated in attack, firing 24 shots compared to Strasbourg’s five, to take a narrow advantage into the return leg.
