Samsunspor vs Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano seized control of their Conference League Round of 16 tie with a clinical 3-1 win away at Samsunspor. Alemão's brace was the headline act as the Spanish side took a commanding first-leg lead in front of around 20,000 fans at the Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadyumu. Alemão opened the scoring on 15 minutes, but Samsunspor hit back quickly through Marius Mouandilmadji just six minutes later to level at 1-1. Álvaro García restored Rayo's lead before the break with a well-taken 40th-minute goal that sent the visitors into half-time ahead. Despite dominating possession at over 62%, Samsunspor couldn't turn pressure into chances after the interval. Alemão punished them with his second of the night on 78 minutes to make it 1-3, as the hosts picked up four yellow cards in a frustrated display. Rayo Vallecano head back to Spain in pole position ahead of the second leg on March 19. Samsunspor's thrilling European adventure now hangs by a thread.