Camello restores Rayo’s smile in its ‘exile’ against Racing

Sergio Camello scored twice and Andrei Ratiu added another goal as Rayo Vallecano came from behind to beat Racing Santander 3-2 at its temporary home in Butarque, Leganés.

It was Rayo’s second match of the season, and third this year, at Butarque. Most of the crowd again turned away from the club, following a mass demonstration of nearly 3,000 people in the neighborhood before kickoff. Protesters demanded the resignation of club president Raúl Martín Presa.

Racing opened the scoring almost immediately through Sergio Canales, who converted a free kick with an unstoppable shot. Rayo responded 13 minutes later on a swift counterattack. Camello provided the assist, and Ratiu finished with a cross-area shot that left goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala no chance.

Racing regained the lead when Unai López lost the ball near the edge of the area. Pablo García collected it and shot low from outside the box, with the ball bouncing just in front of Dani Cárdenas. López made amends with two assists that turned the match around. Before halftime, he crossed into the heart of the area for Camello to control and score. Soon after the restart, another pass behind the defense allowed Camello to fire a low shot through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Rayo settled after taking the lead, slowing the game and reducing Racing’s attacking opportunities. The match became more difficult for the hosts in the 85th minute when Fran Pérez received a straight red card for an elbow on Jorge Salinas. Racing pressed late and came close through a header from Yassir Zabiri, which Cárdenas saved. Rayo and Racing both now have four points from four matches.