The China Mail - Rayo grab lead over Strasbourg in Conference League semi

In a meeting between two teams seeking to reach a first European final, Alemao rose at the near post in the 54th minute to meet a Unai Lopez corner. He missed the ball with his head but it hit his right shoulder and lobbed in to the far corner of the net.

"We practised the move we wanted to pull off. I was lucky enough to score the goal," said Alemao.

In an energetic but scrappy match in which the hosts collected four yellow cards and Strasbourg five, the visitors started strongly.

Roared on by a raucous crowd at their 15,000-capacity Vallecas Stadium in Madrid, the hosts eventually wrested away control. They managed 24 strikes at goal compared to the French club's total of five.

"What a team! We've built this up over many years. We've had a fantastic night in front of our fans, our family, our neighbourhood," said Isi Palazon. "It's a night to remember."

Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders made a string of saves, the best from a Florian Lejeune header after another Lopez corner and, in added time, from Alfonso Espino on the break.

Centre-back Andrew Omobamidele came closest for Strasbourg with a close-range effort cleared off the line in the 78th minute.

Strasbourg came from two goals down to beat Mainz 4-2 on aggregate in their quarter-final.

And Rayo coach Inigo Perez knows to be wary of the Ligue 1 outfit.

"When you have a match like this, where we deserved to score a few more goals, you're left feeling a bit disappointed, but we have to give credit for what we've achieved. I know my players very well; they're a brilliant bunch, and fighting spirit is in their blood," he said.

"In the second half, we broke free and played with more freedom. I'm happy -– a win and a clean sheet."

Vallecano have reached the semi-final despite a season in which the fans -- and to some extent the players and staff -- have been fighting an internal battle against their deeply unpopular president and owner Raul Martin Presa.

"I want to thank the fans for their support throughout the season –- it's been incredible," said Alemao. "We have to celebrate this victory, but it's not over yet."

Q.Moore--ThChM