Emil Audero Makes History as He Debuts Against Real Madrid in LaLiga

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com–Emil Audero made history in LaLiga after making his official debut for Rayo Vallecano against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The Indonesian goalkeeper was one of the bright spots for Rayo despite their 4-1 defeat.

Audero, who joined Rayo Vallecano on loan from Como 1907, was handed his first start by head coach Beñat San José. He was immediately given one of the toughest tests in Spanish football against a Real Madrid side playing at home.

The match marked Audero’s first official appearance for Rayo Vallecano since joining the club. It also made him the first Indonesian player to appear in LaLiga while already holding Indonesian nationality.

Playing at the Santiago Bernabéu was a major challenge for the goalkeeper. Real Madrid controlled much of the game and created several opportunities, but Audero remained composed throughout the match.

Despite conceding four goals, Audero produced several important saves to prevent Real Madrid from extending their lead. His seven saves were among the positive aspects of Rayo Vallecano’s performance in the difficult away fixture.

Audero Makes Indonesian Football History

Audero’s LaLiga debut carries special significance because of his Indonesian background. His appearance against Real Madrid means he is now officially the first player representing Indonesia to play in Spain’s top division.

Jordi Amat had previously played for Rayo Vallecano and later became an Indonesian citizen. However, Amat obtained Indonesian nationality after his time playing in Spain, meaning Audero holds the distinction of being the first Indonesian player to appear in LaLiga as an Indonesian citizen.

The milestone adds another important chapter to Audero’s career. Born in Indonesia and raised in Italy, he spent much of his career in Italian football before deciding to represent Indonesia at international level.

His move to Rayo Vallecano has now given him the opportunity to compete in one of Europe’s major domestic leagues. His first appearance came against one of the most successful clubs in European football.

Real Madrid entered the match as the 15-time European Cup and Champions League winners. For Audero, making his LaLiga debut against such an opponent provided an immediate test of his ability.

San José Trusts Audero

San José’s decision to start Audero was also notable because Augusto Batalla had previously been Rayo Vallecano’s regular goalkeeper. With Batalla unavailable, Audero was given the chance to make his first appearance in a demanding situation.

The Rayo coach said the decision did not necessarily mean Audero had become the club’s permanent first-choice goalkeeper. San José stressed that decisions over the starting lineup could change from one match to another.

“I am happy with his debut and his personality,” San José said after the match, according to Spanish outlet Union Rayo. He also praised Audero’s second-half performance and highlighted the goalkeeper’s important saves.

The opportunity came with little room for error. Rayo were playing away from home against Real Madrid, with the Santiago Bernabéu providing one of the most difficult environments for a visiting team in LaLiga.

Audero nevertheless showed confidence between the posts. His reactions helped Rayo remain competitive despite the pressure created by Real Madrid throughout the match.

A Positive Start for Rayo’s New Goalkeeper

The defeat meant Rayo Vallecano left Madrid without points, but Audero’s individual performance offered encouragement. His seven saves and composed display could strengthen his case for more opportunities during the season.

For Rayo Vallecano, Audero also provides another option in goal as the club continues its LaLiga campaign. His debut could open further competition for the starting position in the weeks ahead.

For Indonesian football, however, the significance goes beyond one match. Audero’s appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu has placed his name in the history books as the first Indonesian player to play in LaLiga.

A debut against Real Madrid made the occasion even more memorable. Audero may have started his LaLiga journey with a defeat, but his performance gave Rayo Vallecano and Indonesian football plenty of reason for optimism.