La Liga Roundup: Rayo wins at Almeria to kick off season

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Rayo Vallecano ahead Randy Nteka scored one objective and helped produce one other in a 2-0 win at Almeria on Friday to kick off the brand new Spanish league season.

Rayo took management of the league’s inaugural match thanks to 2 early penalties within the debut of coach Francisco Rodriguez, who changed the profitable Andoni Iraola after he took over Bournemouth within the Premier League.

Midfielder Isi Palazon, Rayo’s main scorer final season, transformed a Twentieth-minute penalty after Almeria defender Edgar Gonzalez fouled Nteka within the space whereas disputing a ball.

Nteka, who spent the second half of final season on mortgage at Elche, fired a second spot kick into the nook of the online eight minutes later after Almeria’s Sergio Akieme used his arm to dam a cross by Nteka within the space.

Last season, Rayo flirted with a Europa League berth earlier than ending eleventh. This summer season it bolstered its squad with the arrival of central defender Aridane Hernandez from Osasuna and left again Alfonso Espino from Cadiz.

Sevilla hosts Valencia in a while Friday.

Real Madrid opens its season on Saturday at Athletic Bilbao, whereas Barcelona is at Getafe on Sunday.