CF Rayo Majadahonda claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sant Andreu in the Spanish Primera División RFEF on Saturday, 24 October 2026, with a second-half set-piece goal proving decisive at the Estadio Cerro del Espino.

The home side controlled much of the first hour, but Sant Andreu stayed compact and dangerous on the break. Rayo Majadahonda’s pressure eventually told, and the three points keep them firmly in the conversation around the promotion-playoff places in Spain’s third tier.

Match overview

Rayo Majadahonda began with intent, pressing high and forcing Sant Andreu into a series of early clearances. The home midfield recycled possession quickly, while the wide players looked to isolate their markers in one-on-one situations. That approach produced the opening goal in the 18th minute and gave the hosts a deserved advantage.

Sant Andreu responded well. The visitors dropped into a disciplined 4-4-2 mid-block and began to find space behind Rayo’s advanced full-backs. Their equaliser arrived shortly before half-time and changed the mood of the contest, turning a comfortable home performance into a tense, evenly balanced affair.

Key moments

• 18th minute – Rayo Majadahonda 1-0: Diego Sanz finished from close range after a low cross from the right was allowed to travel across the six-yard box.
• 39th minute – Sant Andreu equalise: Iker Rueda timed his run into the penalty area and guided a header beyond the goalkeeper from a deep delivery.
• 55th minute – Sant Andreu chance: The visitors nearly took the lead on the counter, but Rayo’s goalkeeper produced a strong save at his near post.
• 77th minute – Rayo Majadahonda 2-1: Central defender Jorge Molina rose highest from a corner and powered a header into the bottom corner.
• 90+3 minutes – Late save: Rayo’s goalkeeper claimed a dangerous stoppage-time cross to deny Sant Andreu one final chance.

Tactical story

Rayo Majadahonda’s 4-2-3-1 shape was built around quick circulation and aggressive pressing. Their midfield duo screened the back four well for long periods, allowing the full-backs to push forward and create overloads on the flanks. The main weakness was the space left behind those advanced full-backs, which Sant Andreu exploited after their equaliser.

Sant Andreu’s plan was clear: stay compact, deny central access and strike through quick transitions. It worked for long stretches, especially in the second half, but the visitors struggled to defend set pieces. The winning goal came from exactly that weakness, and it proved the difference in a match of fine margins.

Standout players

Diego Sanz led the line well for Rayo Majadahonda, holding up play and giving his team a focal point in the final third. Winger Álvaro del Moral was also influential, repeatedly beating his marker and supplying the cross that created the opener. Molina’s contribution at both ends, capped by the winning header, made him another key figure.

For Sant Andreu, goalkeeper Marc Vidal kept his side in the game with several important saves, while midfielder Pau Ferrer worked tirelessly in front of the defence. Iker Rueda’s equaliser was a reward for his intelligent movement, but the visitors ultimately fell short in the closing stages.

Table and season impact

The win gives Rayo Majadahonda an important boost in the Primera División RFEF standings. With promotion hopefuls separated by small margins, home victories against well-organised sides like Sant Andreu are exactly the kind of results that shape a season. Rayo will now look to build momentum in their next fixture, while Sant Andreu can take encouragement from a resilient away display despite the defeat.