Athletic debut at Vallecas: Rayo host the visitors in LaLiga

The Athletic Club will debut at Vallecas this Saturday. Rayo Vallecano host the visitors in LaLiga’s eighth matchday, after the stadium had been temporarily closed over structural deficiencies.

Rayo had already tested the venue last Saturday in the Trofeo Vallecas against Cagliari, with the Italians winning on penalties. The occasion was marred by booing aimed at Raúl Martín Presa and by vandalism, including graffiti in the officials’ area, alongside the club’s complaints of an attempted stadium assault. In a statement, Rayo criticised the Madrid regional government and pointed to ‘Bukaneros’.

In the league, Beñat San José’s side have done well away from home at Butarque: two wins and one draw in three matches, including a 1-1 vs Alavés, a 3-2 over Racing and a 3-2 win at Espanyol.