Rayo Vallecano pulled off one of the most dramatic and symbolic victories of the LaLiga season by defeating Atlético Madrid 3-0, despite confronting deep turmoil off the pitch and the absence of their home stadium. The win came against a backdrop of mounting protests from supporters, internal criticism from players, and severe infrastructural problems that made their traditional ground in Vallecas unusable. Rayo’s stunning performance in challenging circumstances underscored the unique character of the club and the resilience of its players.
The game on Sunday was played at Estadio de Butarque in Leganés rather than at Rayo’s usual home in Vallecas, after LaLiga declared the pitch at Vallecas unplayable. Training facilities were also compromised, forcing the squad to practice at the facilities of second-division club Getafe. The dislocation did not sit well with supporters, many of whom chose to boycott the match as a sign of protest against club president Raúl Martín Presa. Around 2,000 fans marched through the streets of Vallecas earlier in the day, chanting slogans against the president and condemning what they see as long-standing neglect and mismanagement.
Attendance at Butarque reflected the depth of fan discontent. Although Spanish police allowed ticket sales to season-ticket holders, only 5,335 supporters were present for the match, far below the stadium’s capacity of about 14,000 and one of the lowest attendances in LaLiga since pandemic restrictions ended. Many supporters felt conflicted about attending given the protest call from fan groups, yet some came to support the team in challenging times.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was dominated less by celebration and more by vocal criticism of the club’s leadership. Fans and ultras groups repeatedly chanted “Presa: leave now,” a slogan aimed directly at the club’s president and owner. The protest chants continued even after Rayo scored, highlighting the rift between supporters and the club hierarchy.
The conditions behind the scenes have been a source of frustration for players as well. Earlier in the week, Rayo’s squad and staff issued a joint statement with the players’ union, lamenting “unacceptable conditions” at the training and stadium facilities. Players described grass infected with fungus at the training ground, showers that lacked hot water, rocky turf, and substandard hygiene in the changing areas. The poor infrastructure has been a longstanding issue, but the situation worsened to the point where the club could not train or play at its own grounds in a manner befitting professional standards.
Despite these adverse factors, Rayo’s players delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season. Goals from Fran Pérez, Óscar Valentín, and Nobel Mendy propelled the team to a comprehensive victory over Atlético Madrid, a side that had just thrashed Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey earlier in the week. The result was not only a tactical triumph but also an emotional one for a squad fighting to climb out of the relegation zone.
Rayo’s coach, Íñigo Pérez, spoke candidly about the emotional weight of the day. He acknowledged that the victory was remarkable in sporting terms, but insisted it could not be separated from the broader context of hardship and struggle facing the club. He described the day as “bitter” despite the result, emphasising the need to support those suffering through the club’s difficulties rather than focusing solely on triumph.
Valentín, the team captain, reflected on the challenge of maintaining focus amidst ongoing issues. He noted that it had not been easy to prepare for the game given the circumstances, but the team’s unity and belief carried them through. Fellow players echoed that sentiment, underlining the significance of the victory for morale and confidence.
The match was a stark contrast in narrative between two Madrid teams. Atlético, managed by Diego Simeone, fielded a rotated lineup as they prioritised upcoming European fixtures, and struggled to assert themselves against a highly motivated Rayo. Although Atlético remain competitive in LaLiga and other competitions, this defeat was a sobering reminder that underestimating an opponent dealing with adversity can yield surprising results.
For Rayo Vallecano, the win represented far more than three points. It served as a powerful statement of identity, resilience, and collective spirit in the face of organisational chaos. The result lifted Rayo out of the relegation zone and provided a rare moment of unity between players and fans, even as off-field issues continue to cloud the club’s future. Next steps for Rayo will likely focus on addressing both the competitive and structural challenges that have overshadowed their campaign, but for now the victory stands as a memorable highlight in a turbulent season.