Problems defending set pieces and, above all, a lack of attacking efficiency have left Kiko Ramírez's side still searching for a reaction and unable to lift their heads at the start of a season in which they are suffering from a lack of available players and limited attacking resources. Their offensive output has now gone 360 minutes without finding the opposition net.
With this defeat, the Teruel side, the only team in the entire division yet to score, remain on just one point in the standings and continue to endure a poor run of results in a situation that is becoming increasingly delicate and desperate.
THE MATCH
Teruel arrived at Cerro del Espino with a notable change to the starting lineup. Kiko Ramírez left striker Sergio Moreno on the bench to bring Pablo Felipe into the heart of the defense, while opting to use a five-man attacking line with wing-backs that became a 4-4-2 when defending, preventing spaces from opening up through the middle.
With this approach, the match began scrappily, with neither team able to threaten the opposition goal. Even so, Rayo Majadahonda gradually grew into the game and wanted to build with the ball, while Teruel looked to break quickly after regaining possession, sending balls in behind the Madrid defense. In this scenario, the hosts gradually piled forward toward Zarco's goal and did more to take the lead, with Teruel's defense blocking the shots and attacks from the Majadahonda side.
Just past the half-hour mark, Rayo Majadahonda right-back Ale Diez reached the Teruel area and met a cross that fell to the far post, striking the crossbar of Zarco's goal. The effort came very close to becoming the opening goal, with Teruel escaping the prospect of falling behind.
The same situation occurred twice more just minutes before halftime. First, Zarco produced a stunning save to turn a powerful Cambra shot behind for a corner. Moments later, with the goal at his mercy, Cambra sent the ball over the bar after collecting one that had traveled across the Teruel area without anyone clearing it. The first half therefore ended with the best possible news for Teruel: the scores were still level.
SET PIECES
Despite the halftime break and the lengthy interval, the second half followed the same script, with Rayo Majadahonda continuing to create dangerous attacks around Zarco's goal while Teruel could barely get near the hosts' net. As the saying goes, the pitcher goes to the well so often that it eventually breaks.
Set pieces condemned Teruel. Photo: Rayo Majadahonda
In the 53rd minute, Manín headed home completely unmarked from a free kick into the red-and-white team's area after escaping his marker, beating Zarco with a powerful header to put the Madrid side ahead after they had been threatening to score for some time. The goal forced Teruel to chase the game, prompting Kiko Ramírez to bring on Redón and Sergio Moreno in search of a greater presence in the opposition area.
In this way, the Teruel side appeared to react and began to trouble an uncharacteristically busy Prieto. Indeed, the Rayo Majadahonda goalkeeper produced an excellent save after a Gallardo shot took a dangerous deflection off a home defender. But despite Teruel's efforts, the Majadahonda side struck again from a set piece.
A corner delivered to the near post was flicked on by Cambra, who with a subtle touch managed to guide the ball into the Aragonese goal and double Rayo Majadahonda's lead. To make matters worse, Prieto, with a saving hand, and the post prevented Sesé from reducing the deficit 10 minutes from the end of a match that ended with Teruel unable to avoid a third straight defeat.
MATCH DETAILS
Rayo Majadahonda: Prieto; Diez (Choco, min 65'), Ramos, Sina, Mesa (Durán, min 84'); Tarsi, Quintanilla (Del Pozo, min 65'); Yoshimura (Celorio, min 77'), Cambra (Ramos, min 77'), Raúl Hernández; Manín.
C.D. Teruel: Amador Zarco; Borge (Goyo, min 84'), Relu, Álvaro López, Pablo Felipe (Borikó, min 70'), Joserra; Romera (Belevonis, min 70'), Albisua (Redón, min 57'); Mario Sesé, Gallardo; Moraitis (Sergio Moreno, min 57').
Referee: Javier Figueiredo Comesaña. Booked Diez (min 11'), Albisua (min 26') and Gallardo (min 41').
Goals: 1-0, Manín (min 53'); 2-0, Cambra (min 75').
Match information: Matchday four of Group 2 of Primera RFEF, played at Cerro del Espino stadium (Majadahonda).
