ALEMAO HEADER GIVES RAYO SLIM FIRST-LEG WIN OVER STRASBOURG.

Rayo Vallecano edged Strasbourg 1-0 at the Vallecas Stadium, with Alemao’s
second-half header proving decisive in their UEFA Conference League semi-final
first leg.

Both sides started cautiously in their first-ever European semi-final, with chances
limited.

Ben Chilwell shot over from range for the visitors, while Alemao also missed a
headed opportunity for Rayo.

Strasbourg controlled spells of possession but failed to break through a well-
organised Rayo defence, and Emmanuel Emegha wasted a big chance just before
half-time.

Rayo struck in the 54th minute when Isi Palazón’s corner found Alemao, who
powered a header past Mike Penders to open the scoring.

The hosts pushed for more, but Strasbourg stayed alive as Rayo saw out a
disciplined win.

The Spanish side takes a slender advantage into the return leg in France next week.