LUIS RIOJA NEWS

Calm from the spot Rioja scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), 11 crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Rioja put in a great display from his left back position against Deportivo Alvaes. Not only did he score from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, but he also created two chances, completed all three of his dribble attempts, and completed four of his five long ball passes. His crossing left much to be desired, succeeding in just two of his 11 attempts. However, he produced plenty of offensive output regardless of that statistic. He will be key to Valencia securing points against the vaunted Real Madrid on January 3.

DECEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

17 crosses at Valladolid Rioja registered one shot (zero on goal), 17 crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Friday's 1-0 loss to Valladolid.

Impact Rioja had a good offensive outing and led Valencia with a season-high 17 crosses, but couldn't help them avoid the loss on the road. The midfielder aldo made the second-most tackles (two) for his side to help on defense. He took two of their seven corner kicks as well.

DECEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

13 crosses Saturday Rioja registered 13 crosses (four accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Rioja had an extremely busy day Saturday as he recorded a season-high 13 crosses, including four accurate crosses. He also tied a season high with three chances created. He added one corner and three tackles (one won) before he was subbed off in the 89th minute for Sergi Canos.

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Converts PK at Mallorca Rioja scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Friday's 2-1 defeat versus Mallorca. In addition, he was given a yellow ca...

Impact Rioja converted a PK in the 32nd minute to give Valencia the lead with his second goal in the season, but they couldn't hold it. That was his only shot in the match before subbing off in the second half. He also received his third yellow card in the proccess.

DECEMBER 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Creates three chances Rioja took an off target shot, crossed three times (one accurate) and created three chances during Saturday's 4-2 win over Betis.

Impact Rioja was held off the scoresheet, but led Valencia with three chances created in the match. The attacker hasn't had a goal involvement since September, but has combined for 20 crosses over his last three starts as a regular in the XI for Valencia.

NOVEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Sends three crosses, takes shot Rioja registered one shot (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-0 loss versus Real Sociedad.

Impact Rioja was one of Valencia's most dangerous players throughout the entire match, as his pace represented quite a problem for the opposing defense. That said, the lack of an end product conspires against his fantasy upside, as Rioja only has one goal across his last six starts.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Leads match in crosses Rioja recorded one shot (one on goal), 10 crosses (five accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Osasuna.

Impact Rioja was solid Tuesday despite the draw after registering one shot, two chances created and 10 crosses. His 10 crosses not only led the match, but it was also his highest amount of crosses in a match this season. He has now started in five straight games and has notched six or more crosses in four of his seven appearances.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores goal Rioja scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-0 win versus Girona.

Impact With his fifth appearance for Valencia, Rioja finally has a goal for his new team since he transferred from Deportivo Alaves. He scored five goals during Alaves' 2023-24 season, and his current trajectory would be enough for him to surpass the five-goal mark during his first year with Valencia.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Registers most crosses in the game Rioja generated seven crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 1-0 loss versus Athletic.

Impact Rioja delivered the most crosses in the game, completed three dribbles, and contributed defensively with three interceptions, two tackles, and a clearance. Having transferred from Alaves just two weeks ago, he has already made three appearances for his new team.

AUGUST 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Transfers to Valencia Rioja has completed a transfer to Valencia from Alaves, according to his new club.

Impact Rioja will remain in Spain but is switching clubs this transfer window, as he will join Valencia on a deal until 2026. He started in 31 of his 37 appearances last season while with Alaves, registering five goals on 57 shots and four assists on 41 chances created to go along with a whopping 174 crosses. That said, he should be an immediate impact player with his new club, likely contending for anywhere from starting to rotational time.

AUGUST 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Subbed on against Vigo Rioja recorded six crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 2-1 defeat against Celta Vigo.

Impact Rioja replaced Tomas Conechny in the 68th minute and quickly made an impact by registering the most crosses in the game. Despite making only four passes, he also recorded two tackles, capping off a brilliant cameo. Last season, he featured in all but one game, contributing nine goal involvements.

AUGUST 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in brief appearance Rioja scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-0 win against Atletico Madrid.

Impact After a long goal drought, Rioja was demoted from Alaves' starting XI for the first time since Sept. 28. In less than five minutes in real time, he finally broke the drought, logging his fifth goal of the 2023-24 La Liga. A return to Alaves' starting XI would not be a surprising development out of Rioja.

APRIL 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Rough showing versus Granada Rioja generated one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Granada.

Impact Rioja was pulled at halftime in this one following a toothless display in the attacking third, his biggest contribution being a shot off target. Despite the poor performance, he has started 30 of 31 games for his side this season and remains a key contributor in wide areas.

APRIL 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Quiet performance in loss Rioja had one off-target shot during Sunday's 1-0 loss against Real Sociedad.

Impact Rioja had an off game here, with his stat line being probably the worst of the season. The attacker, who started in all but one game during this campaign, will hope to add to his four goals and four assists over 30 appearances to prevent any risk of relegation during the final stretch of the year.

APRIL 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Misses penalty in defeat Rioja registered one shot (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-0 defeat versus Athletic.

Impact Rioja had a huge opportunity in the first half when he had a penalty kick in the 31st minute. However, it was saved, and the ensuing play led to an attack for the opposing team, resulting in the first goal of the match. Aside from his penalty miss, he delivered four crosses, which is the lowest number in the past four games.

MARCH 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Assists versus Mallorca Rioja assisted once to go with eight crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Mallorca.

Impact Rioja created Carlos Benavidez's opener in the 76th minute with his fourth assist in the season. The midfielder has only two assists since August, though. He also led Alaves in crosses as usual, and now has 149 crosses in 26 games.

FEBRUARY 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Valiant effort in draw Rioja generated three shots (zero on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Villarreal.

Impact Rioja continues to offer a significant effort towards building the attack, as he delivered at least two accurate crosses for the fifth consecutive game. He is up to 11 chances created over that stretch, despite not earning an assist. Additionally, he continues to see plenty of opportunities for corners, with 14 corner kicks taken among the last five outings.

FEBRUARY 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Converts penalty Rioja scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), eight crosses (four accurate) and three corners in Friday's 3-0 victory versus Almeria.

Impact Rioja scored his goal from the penalty spot. He has now scored in consecutive matches for the first time this season. It was his fourth goal overall and third in his last four appearances. This match also marked the third successive match in which he has tallied at least two accurate crosses and one corner kick. Rioja has been relied upon this season. Though he rarely plays 90 minutes, he has started 22 times in 23 appearances.

JANUARY 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Sizzling form continues Rioja scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), 12 crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Friday's 1-0 victory against Cadiz.

Impact Rioja scored his second goal in his last three contests on only four shots in that span, showcasing his efficiency as of late. He will hope to get on the scoresheet again next time out against an Almeria side that has conceded 46 goals in 21 matches, the worst record in La Liga.

JANUARY 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores lone team goal Rioja scored one goal to go with one shot (one on target), four crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad.

Impact Rioja scored his second goal of the season to give the team the draw Tuesday. It was also his 12th straight start, logging in a goal and an assist on 61 crosses (14 accurate), 28 shots (10 on target) and 15 chances created in that span.

JANUARY 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Delivers eight crosses in defeat Rioja generated four shots (zero on goal), eight crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Thursday's 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid.

Impact Rioja was active offensively, as he led the team in both shots taken and crosses delivered. However, neither his crosses nor his shots were on the mark, as he failed to create a goal-scoring opportunity in the contest. Despite constantly taking a high amount of shots, the attacker has only scored once this season.

DECEMBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Leads match in crosses Rioja recorded one shot (zero on goal), 10 crosses (five accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Las Palmas.

Impact Rioja had a match-high in crosses Saturday and tied his season high, whipping in 10 during the loss. The attacker has only missed one start all season, notching 89 crosses and 22 chances created during the campaign.

DECEMBER 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist in win Rioja assisted once to go with three shots (one on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Friday's 3-1 win versus Granada.

Impact Rioja bounced back into form, after a disappointing effort against Barcelona in his previous match. The midfielder notched his third assist of the season, as he set up Samu in the 55th minute. Additionally, he led the team with six crosses sent in, after failing to deliver one in his previous outing.

NOVEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Active display against Almeria Rioja had two off-target shots, created three chances, sent in nine crosses (three accurate) and was shown a yellow card during Sunday's 1-0 win over Almeria.

Impact Rioja was one of his side's top performers here, always generating plays for teammates from the left flank and being second in key passes among all players. With eight shots, six chances created and 19 crosses over his last three starts, the winger is getting closer and closer from finally appearing on the scoresheet for the first time since Aug. 21. Up next for him is Sunday's visit to Barcelona.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE