GARCÍA AND DÍAZ FIRE RAYO PAST GRANADA IN COPA DEL REY THRILLER

GRANADA, SPAIN — What began as a promising Copa del Rey evening for Granada at Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes ultimately descended into heartbreak, as Rayo Vallecano mounted a stunning comeback to secure a 3-1 victory that dramatically showcased both teams' contrasting approaches to this crucial knockout encounter. The visitors' superior ball retention and tactical discipline gradually overwhelmed a Granada side that had momentarily dared to dream after Pablo Sáenz's early opener.

The match erupted into life within the opening ten minutes when Granada's Pablo Sáenz capitalized on slack defending to fire home from close range in the 9th minute. The clinical left-footed finish from the left side of the six-yard box sent the home faithful into raptures and suggested this could be Granada's triumphant night. However, Rayo Vallecano's resilient response would prove the defining narrative of this compelling contest.

Rayo's tactical patience became increasingly evident as they began to assert methodical control through midfield, with Gerard Gumbau and Pedro Díaz masterfully orchestrating play from deep positions. Despite dominating possession at an impressive 59.8%, the visitors found Granada's defensive structure frustratingly difficult to penetrate during the first half. The home side's compact shape and disciplined pressing forced Rayo into wide areas, where they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite winning an impressive 11 corners throughout the match.

The tactical battle intensified dramatically after the interval, with both managers making crucial strategic adjustments. Rayo's persistent pressure finally paid dividends in the 49th minute when Álvaro García unleashed a spectacular right-footed strike from outside the box following a corner. The ball arrowed magnificently into the bottom right corner, leaving Granada goalkeeper Ander Astralaga with no chance and leveling the contest at a crucial psychological moment.

García's equalizer transformed the match's entire complexion. Rayo Vallecano's confidence surged as they began to exploit the spaces that Granada's increasingly desperate attacking forays left exposed. The visitors' superior fitness and tactical cohesion became increasingly apparent as the second half progressed, with their midfield trio of Gumbau, Díaz, and Óscar Trejo beginning to dictate the match's tempo with consummate control.

The decisive blow arrived in the 74th minute through Pedro Díaz's moment of individual brilliance. The midfielder collected a precise pass from García before unleashing a thunderous right-footed drive from outside the penalty area that nestled perfectly in the bottom left corner. The strike showcased the technical quality that has made Díaz such a crucial component of Rayo's midfield engine, effectively ending Granada's spirited resistance.

Despite Granada's clinical edge in front of goal – they managed an impressive 67% shots on target conversion rate, putting 6 of their 9 attempts on frame – their inability to maintain defensive discipline proved ultimately costly. Rayo's 18 shots compared to Granada's 9 illustrated their territorial dominance, though only 4 of those efforts truly troubled Astralaga directly. The Granada goalkeeper's 6 saves kept his side competitive far longer than the possession statistics suggested they deserved.

The match's cruel finale arrived deep into stoppage time when Juanjo's unfortunate own goal in the 92nd minute sealed Granada's fate. The defender's miscued clearance under pressure from Rayo's relentless pressing epitomized how the visitors had gradually worn down their hosts' resistance through sustained tactical pressure and superior conditioning.

Rayo's victory was meticulously constructed on their ability to maintain composure after falling behind early, with their patient build-up play eventually creating the precise spaces needed to exploit Granada's defensive vulnerabilities. The visitors' three yellow cards compared to Granada's clean disciplinary record reflected their more aggressive pressing approach, though they managed to avoid any serious sanctions that might have disrupted their rhythm.

Looking ahead, Rayo Vallecano will travel to face Mallorca on January 11, carrying significant momentum from this impressive cup performance into their league campaign. Meanwhile, Granada must regroup quickly as they shift focus back to their domestic objectives following this heartbreaking cup exit.