Rayo Vallecano met today the performer of the week in Spain, Atletico Madrid, who a few days ago achieved an unbelievable score, 4-0 against Barcelona, in the King’s Cup. It was the turn of Andrei Rațiu’s team to make a big result, crushing their fellow city with 3-0.
The Romanian international contributed decisively to the opening of the score. The tricolor defender received the ball on the edge, made several “bicycles” and perfectly served Fran Perez, who scored for 1-0, much to the despair of an angry Diego Simeone. Things were getting better and better for the neighborhood team from the Spanish capital: Oscar Valentin scored just before the break for Nobel Mendy to make it 3-0 (min. 76).
Rayo totally dominated the game, in addition to the goals, they also had 6 great opportunities, compared to one of the guests. Andrei Rațiu’s team ended a streak of 4 consecutive defeats and climbed to 16th place in LaLiga, with 25 points, being two lengths above the red zone. On the other side, Atletico remained with 45 points and occupy the fourth position.
Ratiu overtook Gică Popescu
The tricolor international, named man of the match by some Iberian publications, had another occasion to celebrate. He surpassed Gică Popescu in the ranking of Romanians in the number of appearances in the Spanish championship. With 67 matches in LaLiga, he climbed to 12th place in this hierarchy, having one match above the legendary captain of the national team.
The ranking of the Romanians in LaLiga, according to the number of attendances
Gica Craioveanu – 221 matches
Cosmin Contra – 188 matches
Constantin Gâlcă – 162 matches
Adrian Ilie – 106 matches
Gica Hagi – 100 matches
Iulian Filipescu – 94 matches
Florin Andone – 91 matches
Bogdan Stelea – 90 matches
Marcel Sabou – 86 matches
Gabi Balint – 83 matches
Miodrag Belodedici – 80 matches
Andrei Raţiu – 67 matches
Gica Popescu – 66 matches
