Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Friday, 01 May 2026, 07:48 / Updated Friday, 01 May 2026 07:49
Rayo Vallecano, where Andrei Rațiu was a full-time player, won the first leg of the semifinal against Strasbourg (1-0).
Apart from the winning goal, scored by Alemao with a header, from a corner taken by Isi Palazon (min. 54), in Rayo – Strasbourg there was also a phase in which the Spanish players asked for a penalty.
Jorge De Frutos: “Their goalkeeper wanted to step on me”
Strasbourg keeper Mike Penders saved a shot from outside the box, then came forward with the ball in hand and ran over De Frutos, who was in his way, knocking him to the ground.
The Lithuanian “central” Donatas Rumsas gave the visitors a foul, but Jorge De Frutos and Andrei Rațiu protested at the end, considering that a penalty should have been awarded.
“Their goalkeeper wanted to step on me, I don't know why the VAR didn't intervene there. It was intentional. I didn't ask the referee on the field. He didn't tell me anything. He called a foul against us, but I don't understand why. For me it is a clear penalty”, complained De Frutos to Spanish reporters.
Andrei Rațiu: “I also saw an act of aggression”
Andrei Rațiu also saw a potential penalty in that phase. “And I saw an act of aggression. He fouled us. It's the referee's decision. It's strange that VAR didn't intervene“, commented the Romanian international.
The Marca daily's comment on that phase: “Rayo could have had an even greater advantage on a clear but unintentional foul by Penders on De Frutos.”
Brand about Andrei Rațiu: “He successfully sailed through a difficult night”
Reason? Rayo's right back had 5 successful clearances from 5 attempts and a passing accuracy of over 80%. His evolution was solid, in a game where he had a lot of trouble with Godo.
Andrei Rațiu, in a duel with Godo / Photo: Imago
“Every ball sent to him was a headache for Rațiu. The Rayo full-back successfully navigated a difficult night,” Marca wrote in the match report.
