MADRID, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Rayo Vallecano took a significant step toward its first European semifinal with a 3-0 win over AEK Athens at the Vallecas Stadium on Thursday.
Playing in European competition for just the second time in its history, Rayo struck early, going ahead in the second minute when Alvaro Rodriguez surged down the left and crossed for Ilias Akhomach to score.
Florian Lejeune thought he had doubled Rayo's lead in the 20th minute when he headed in off the post from a free kick. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for an offside against Unai Lopez, who impeded AEK goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
AEK responded with chances for Aboubakary Koita and Barnabas Varga, but Lopez made amends in first-half stoppage time, sliding home from close range after Strakosha parried a powerful shot from Akhomach.
Rayo was the better side before the break, while the second half was more evenly contested, with both teams creating half-chances.
The hosts sealed the win when Isi Palazon converted a penalty after a VAR review showed Filipe Relvas had handled Pacha Espino's deflected shot. Palazon calmly rolled the ball into the net as Strakosha dived the wrong way. ■
