Leganes B 4-1 Rayo Vallecano B: Second Half Show in Tercera División RFEF
Leganes B produced a commanding second-half performance to defeat Rayo Vallecano B 4-1 in the Spanish Tercera División RFEF on September 19, 2026. The scoreline flattered the hosts slightly given the competitive nature of the first half, but Leganes B's ruthlessness after the break made them worthy winners.
The match was a local derby of sorts between two reserve teams, and the intensity reflected that. Rayo Vallecano B started well and created the first clear chance, but once Leganes B found their rhythm, they dominated the middle of the pitch and finished their opportunities with impressive precision.
Match Overview
Rayo Vallecano B took a surprise lead in the 19th minute through Sergio Cano, who fired home from just inside the penalty area after a quick free kick caught Leganes B off guard. The response from the hosts was immediate. Javier Aviles equalised in the 28th minute, turning in a low cross from the right, and from that point on Leganes B looked the more likely side to score.
The hosts took the lead in the 52nd minute when Mario Perez struck a sweet half-volley from the edge of the box. Diego Moreno added a third in the 67th minute after a flowing team move, and Javier Aviles completed the scoring in the 81st minute with his second goal of the game, finishing calmly on the counter.
Key Moments
- 19' – Rayo Vallecano B 1-0: Sergio Cano scores from a quickly taken free kick, catching the defence out.
- 28' – Leganes B equalise: Javier Aviles turns in a low cross from the right to make it 1-1.
- 52' – Leganes B 2-1: Mario Perez hits a crisp half-volley from the edge of the box.
- 67' – Leganes B 3-1: Diego Moreno finishes a sweeping team move with a first-time strike.
- 81' – Leganes B 4-1: Aviles scores his second, breaking clear and finishing with composure.
Tactical Story
Leganes B set up with a 4-3-3 that prioritised quick ball movement in the attacking half. Their midfielders rotated constantly, pulling Rayo Vallecano B's defensive block out of shape and creating space for the wide forwards to run into. The hosts' pressing also improved significantly after the first 20 minutes, allowing them to win the ball higher up the pitch and sustain attacks.
Rayo Vallecano B's early goal came from a moment of quick thinking, but their defensive structure became increasingly difficult to maintain as Leganes B increased the tempo. The visitors tried to stay compact and hit on the break, and they had a few promising moments in the second half. However, Leganes B's third and fourth goals both came from transitions, showing how the game opened up as Rayo pushed men forward.
Standout Players
Javier Aviles was the standout performer for Leganes B, scoring twice and constantly troubling the Rayo defence with his movement. Mario Perez controlled the midfield and produced the goal that shifted the momentum permanently in the hosts' favour. Diego Moreno's energy and link-up play were also vital, while the back four recovered well after a shaky opening 20 minutes.
For Rayo Vallecano B, Sergio Cano took his goal well and remained a threat on the counter. Their goalkeeper made several saves to prevent the score from becoming even more one-sided, and the captain in midfield tried to settle the team. In the end, however, Rayo could not cope with Leganes B's second-half intensity.
Season Impact
This 4-1 win gives Leganes B a significant boost in the Spanish Tercera División RFEF. The three points and the four-goal performance will strengthen their confidence, especially after conceding first. Rayo Vallecano B will be disappointed with the defensive errors that turned a tight game into a heavy defeat, but they showed enough in the first half to suggest they can compete. Both reserve sides will continue to develop young players, and this match provided valuable lessons for the months ahead.

