Reinildo Mandava got his name on the scoresheet for Atletico Madrid as they recorded a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Wednesday night.
The 30-year-old defender had been in action with Mozambique at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where they narrowly missed on a maiden qualification to the knockout phase.
Mandava scored in a 2-2 draw with Ghana and was once again on target for the Rojiblancos, opening the scoring in the 35th minute with a fine header from Rodrigo Riquelme’s freekick. It was his first goal of the season in what was just his third league appearance having missed the bulk of the campaign due to a cruciate ligament tear.
WHAT. A. PLAYER. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/akIeWMtoS8
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 31, 2024
Alvaro Garcia levelled matters for Rayo in the 42nd minute but Atleti were able to claim the winner in the 90th minute thanks to Dutch-Ghanaian forward Memphis Depay who atonned for his effort that was ruled out for offside eight minutes earlier.
The game ended on a feisty note with Rayo coach Francisco Rodriguez receiving a red card while Atleti coach Diego Simeone received a yellow card.
Atleti remain third in the La Liga standings, seven points behind leaders Girona while Rayo sit in 13th place, eight points clear of the relegation zone.
