Rayo Vallecano endured a punishing physical toll during their draw with Deportivo Alavés, losing both goalkeeper Augusto Batalla and winger Isi Palazón to injury. The Argentine goalkeeper was taken to hospital by ambulance following a heavy collision.
The most serious incident occurred in the 56th minute. Augusto Batalla clashed forcefully with Alavés forward Toni Martínez while attempting to clear the ball. The goalkeeper showed immediate signs of pain and medical staff had to remove him from the pitch on a stretcher. Although he made it to the bench walking with assistance, he was later transported to the hospital by ambulance. Dani Cárdenas replaced him between the posts.
This absence adds to the team's existing physical problems, which are tracked on our injuries page. Rayo Vallecano now faces a busy LaLiga schedule, with key matches listed in our fixtures section.
Isi Palazón was injured much earlier, in the 15th minute of play. The winger clutched his left thigh and could not continue. Manager Beñat San José was forced into his first substitution, bringing on Randy Nteka. This early move severely limited the coach's options for the remainder of the match.
San José made no changes at halftime and executed a double substitution in the 54th minute, introducing Álvaro García and Óscar Valentín. However, Batalla's injury just two minutes later consumed the third and final substitution window. The team played the final 40 minutes, including added time, with no further changes available.
The match at the Estadio Butarque ended in a draw, marking another instance of points dropped in the closing minutes, similar to what happened last weekend in Seville. Beñat San José is still searching for the formula to close out games decisively. Injuries to two key starters complicate planning for the next matchday.
The current squad, visible on our squad page, will need to demonstrate its depth. Batalla's absence, if it proves long-term, will test the goalkeeping position, while the attack loses one of its most dynamic players in Isi. The team must find quick solutions to maintain its competitive level.
