Rayo Vallecano has released a new official statement protesting the 'injustice' of having to play their next home match in Leganés. The La Liga club argues this decision, which harms their fans and the local economy of Vallecas, could have 'catastrophic' sporting consequences for their survival battle. This marks the second time this season the team is forced to move a home game to the Butarque Stadium, a blow that worsens their current difficult sporting situation.
Rayo Vallecano sits 18th in the La Liga standings, with just one point from three games and a recent form of LDL. Having scored four goals and conceded eight, the team urgently needs points at home, but the upcoming clash against 10th-placed Racing de Santander will not be at their fortress. "On the one hand economically for having to move a match like this to the Estadio Ontime Butarque and on the other hand sporting, which could reach catastrophic consequences, since not playing home games at the Estadio de Vallecas increases the probability of losing points that in the long run could mean relegation," the club said in its statement.
Why is the match not being played in Vallecas?
The fixture was declared high risk, which prevents the sale or distribution of tickets at the stadium ticket offices on the Saturday of the match. This resolution, which the club criticises the Community of Madrid for not appealing, forces the venue change. Ticket management for the September 5th match is already underway. Season ticket holders can collect their tickets from the Vallecas stadium ticket offices starting Tuesday afternoon. For the general public, tickets will be available for 45 euros on Friday and Saturday.
How does this affect Rayo's campaign?
Losing home advantage at such a delicate time is a hard blow. The team starts eight points behind leaders Barcelona and desperately needs to change course. The absence of their fortress, where their fans' pressure is usually a key weapon, makes the task even harder. This situation adds to the squad's injury woes, with goalkeeper Augusto Batalla and player Jozhua Vertrouwd currently sidelined, as can be checked on our injuries page. The squad must face this challenge with low morale but with the obligation to react.
What is the next step for the club?
Beyond the formal protest, Rayo Vallecano must focus on the immediate match. The team will travel to Leganés to face Racing de Santander this Saturday, September 5th, a vital duel in their fixtures schedule. The entire franjirrojo environment hopes this forced relocation does not hurt their chances of taking three points. The board has made its position clear and now the ball is on the pitch, even if it's not the one in Vallecas. The team will play their next home match at the Butarque Stadium in Leganés on September 5, 2026.
