Rayo Vallecano’s hopes of qualifying for European football next season took another hit on Sunday as they fell 3-1 to Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés, despite taking a first-half lead through Pathé Ciss.
The Senegalese midfielder opened the scoring in the 37th minute, reacting sharply after Unai Simón saved a penalty from Pedro Díaz.
Ciss pounced on the rebound to net his fourth goal of the campaign, giving the visitors a surprising lead heading into the break.
But the advantage would not last. Athletic came out rejuvenated in the second half and quickly seized control of the match.
Oihan Sancet equalised from the penalty spot in the 58th minute before Nico Williams added a second in the 80th, finishing a flowing move with precision.
Sancet sealed the win deep into stoppage time, striking in the 94th minute to complete his brace and condemn Rayo to a second consecutive league defeat.
The result follows a heavy 4-0 home loss to Espanyol and leaves Iñigo Pérez’s side struggling to keep pace with the European qualification spots.
Rayo now sit 10th in La Liga with 40 points, eight adrift of sixth place — the last guaranteed spot for continental competition — with just a handful of matches remaining.
Still, all hope is not lost. Rayo are just three points behind seventh, a position that may offer a route into next season’s UEFA Conference League depending on the outcome of domestic cup competitions.
For that to happen, consistency will be key — something the team has lacked in recent weeks.
Despite the defeat, Pathé Ciss’s contribution stood out.
The midfielder continues to be a bright spot in Rayo’s season, notching crucial goals and delivering tireless performances in midfield.
His latest strike once again underlined his growing influence, though his efforts were ultimately in vain on a difficult night in Bilbao.
With seven games remaining, Rayo Vallecano must regroup quickly if they are to remain in the European conversation.
Their next fixtures will prove decisive in determining whether this season ends in disappointment or delivers a surprise return to continental competition.
