The defeat was Rayo Vallecano's first home loss of the season, as Elche delivered a clinical performance to claim a 3-0 victory at Vallecas. Fede Redondo and Fer Niño scored from the penalty spot in the first half before Germán Valera completed the scoring after the break.
Rayo had started competitively, pressing high and creating opportunities, but two penalties gave the visitors a commanding advantage. Redondo converted the first before Niño doubled Elche's lead, leaving the hosts with a difficult task after the interval. Valera's second-half goal then confirmed an emphatic away win.
Rayo coach Beñat San José rejected the suggestion that his side had been completely outplayed, although he understood the frustration among his players.
“I disagree, although I understand that the players are angry. We had our opportunities, and the first half was an even contest. We pressed high, and their goalkeeper caused us problems with his long balls.
"We had chances and got into good positions. Then came those two penalties, and we conceded twice, which is very difficult. They didn't look that clear to me. We had chances to create danger in the first half.
"It's not a question of them having completely outplayed us; today nothing went right for us and everything went right for them.”
The coach also acknowledged that preparations had been complicated by a difficult week at the club, with meetings taking time away from normal training. However, he refused to use those circumstances to excuse the performance.
“This week has been particularly difficult because we haven't just been training; we've also been holding meetings. That was necessary. But it's no excuse for today's performance. It's a shame we couldn't give the fans our best performance.”
Elche manager Martín Anselmi praised his players for following their tactical plan, particularly their defensive organisation against Rayo's direct attacking approach. He felt the visitors had understood when to remain compact and when to attack the space on the counter.
“We insist on being an intelligent team that understands the different phases of a match, both beforehand and as it unfolds. We knew they attack vertically and have quick players. We understood that by staying compact, not pressing forward too early, preventing runs in behind and breaking quickly, we could hurt them. With the ball, we needed to stay calm and play our way. We produced a very complete performance.”
Anselmi also stressed that the victory could only become meaningful if Elche maintained their work rate in the coming fixtures.
“We have to keep going. The league demands that of you. We have to prepare for Tuesday's cup match and then the next league game. The only way to play well, become the team you want to be and win matches is through hard work.”
The result lifted Elche out of the relegation zone and extended their positive run. For Rayo, the first home defeat of the campaign was a setback after a week of difficult preparations, with San José insisting that his side had to respond rather than dwell on the result.