When Rayo seemed to have everything under control, having the ball and reaching the rival area, the 22nd minute arrived to change everything. The statistics in favor of the franjirrojo team took another direction after the Moomin’s expulsion.
A ball was disputed on Isi Palazón’s side, where he lost the ball and it went to Toni Martínez. He travels a few meters and the Ghanaian defender mistimes the action and creates a tackle which, from the beginning, for the referee it was yellow.
The VAR changes plans
Cordero Vega is called and goes to the monitor to review the action. Being the last man and with the images clear, the referee goes to Moomin again to remove the yellow and then show it straight red. It is Óscar Valentín who takes his place.
The player makes a face of disbelief but knows that he must run to the tunnel because the tackle he generated in the open field was just an expulsion. Shown the card and with the head down, The fans applauded him as he walked across the field to go to the locker room.
Rayo Vallecano’s Ghanaian defender Abdul Mumin apologizes to the fans after being sent off
Before it was the injury
On the previous day, the defender left the field due to some discomfort he felt. During the week’s training sessions, there was one in which he stopped being there and that made him the alarms went off.
Abdul Mumin has been one of the two irreplaceable players in the squad and one of those who have been playing every game. Along with Lejeune, the center backs have been indispensable for Iñigo Pérez.
Finally, any medical setbacks that the player might have had were ruled out and he started. During the game he did not doubt that he was physically at his best.but it did put the Navarrese’s main plan in check.
Gumbau, the great savior
Gerard enters the 60th minute, replaced by Unai López. The coach’s idea seemed clear. Despite having one less, I wanted to keep the midfield fresh in case an opportunity like the goal came.
On the left wing, where so many goals have come from Rayo. Embarma runs along the entire band to get closer to the area and find Gumbau. All alone, without pressure or mark, With a left foot he sends the ball to the entire angle.
Gumbau celebrates his goal against Alavés
Vallecas explodes
Everything seemed very complicated for Iñigo’s team. Changes that were questioned but in the end the goal of the three points came from the bench. From Embarba to Gumbau and ended in the scream of all the Vallecas fans.
