UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16: Samsunspor 1-3 Rayo Vallecano. Spanish side Rayo Vallecano secured an impressive and potentially decisive away victory, overcoming Samsunspor 3-1 in Turkey. The La Liga outfit started brightly and were rewarded with an early goal from a corner, setting the tone for a dominant first-half display where they added a second from close range. Samsunspor emerged with more fight after the interval and pulled a goal back through a penalty, briefly threatening a comeback. However, Rayo Vallecano restored their two-goal advantage almost immediately, capitalizing on a defensive error to score a crucial third away goal and effectively kill the contest. The match was characterized by Rayo's intense pressing and efficient finishing, contrasting with Samsunspor's struggles to build sustained attacks. The result leaves the Turkish Super Lig side with a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Vallecas stadium in Madrid. Samsunspor's manager pointed to "costly mistakes at key moments," while the Rayo Vallecano coach highlighted his team's "perfect European away performance." Samsunspor started with Öztürk; Yalçın, Satka, Paluli, Bola; Kilinc, N'Zi; Yıldırım, Gürler, Ba; and Marius. Rayo Vallecano's lineup featured Dimitrievski; Balliu, Lejeune, Mumin, Espino; Valentín, Unai López; Palazón, De Frutos, Álvaro García; and Camello.