Rayo Vallecano will take a one-goal advantage into the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final after a narrow win over Strasbourg.<\/p>\n
In a cagey affair at Estadio de Vallecas a looping header from Brazilian forward Alemao nine minutes into the second half was enough to hand the La Liga side a slender lead for next week’s return leg in France.<\/p>\n
In a first half lacking quality, neither side registered a shot on target as Strasbourg dominated possession. <\/p>\n
But Rayo Vallecano – appearing at this stage of a European competition for the first time – came quick out of the blocks at the start of the second half and were soon rewarded for their efforts. <\/p>\n
The La Liga side broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Alemao met Isi Palazon’s corner at the near post to score his third European goal of the season.<\/p>\n
From there the hosts took control, with Strasbourg – managed by Englishman Gary O’Neil – unable to regain their early momentum.<\/p>\n
Former Newcastle United defender Florian Lejeune thought he had doubled the lead less than 10 minutes later, only for goalkeeper Mike Penders to claw his header off the line.<\/p>\n
Palazon and Unai Lopez also tried their luck from distance in the closing stages as Rayo Vallecano pushed for a second goal. <\/p>\n