West Bromwich Albion concluded their pre-season campaign on a high note, securing an exhilarating 3-2 victory over Spanish La Liga side Rayo Vallecano at The Hawthorns. This hard-fought encounter served as an excellent physical and tactical test for the Baggies, showcasing their resilience and attacking flair in front of their home crowd.

The early stages of the match saw Rayo Vallecano, a formidable opponent who finished eighth in La Liga last season, assert their dominance through meticulous ball possession. For the initial fifteen minutes, the Spanish outfit dictated the tempo, moving the ball with fluidity and control. Despite their command, Albion’s defensive lines remained resolute, preventing any significant threats to their goal, apart from an unmarked header from Andrei Ratiu that sailed over the bar.

As the second half commenced, the rhythm of the game took some time to intensify. Rayo continued to hold a slight edge in possession, probing Albion’s defense. However, the home side’s goalkeeper, Griffiths, remained largely untroubled, a testament to the disciplined organization of the Baggies’ backline and midfield. This patient defensive display laid the groundwork for the dramatic turn of events that was soon to follow.

The Hawthorns then witnessed an electrifying shift in momentum as West Brom launched a devastating offensive surge, finding the back of the net three times within a mere five minutes. The scoring spree was ignited by Jayson Molumby, who unleashed a spectacular volley from 25 yards out, sending the ball precisely into the bottom right corner, a deserving reward for Albion’s persistence.

Following Molumby’s opener, the floodgates appeared to open for the Baggies. Karlan Grant further extended West Brom’s lead, capitalizing on the newly found attacking impetus. Not long after, the impressive Isaac Price added his name to the scoresheet, solidifying a remarkable turnaround that left Rayo Vallecano reeling from the rapid succession of goals.

Just when it seemed Rayo had crumbled under the pressure, the La Liga side demonstrated their quality by halving the deficit through a stunning strike. Substitute Gerard Gumbau unleashed a powerful rocket from distance, a truly exquisite finish that reminded everyone of Rayo’s attacking capabilities and added another layer of excitement to the pre-season football friendly.

Albion’s striker, Heggebo, delivered a particularly eye-catching performance throughout the game, exhibiting relentless work rate and creating several crucial scoring opportunities in the latter stages. One notable instance saw him receive a fine first-time pass from Price, but his rasping effort across goal narrowly missed the target, highlighting the attacking threat he consistently posed to the Rayo Vallecano defense.

The West Brom victory was ultimately sealed by a superb late save from Griffiths, who denied De Frutos a potential equalizer. This vital stop ensured the 3-2 scoreline stood, marking a highly productive afternoon for Mason’s Baggies, who head into the new season with renewed confidence after this impressive match report win at The Hawthorns.