Rayo Vallecano will return to their Estadio de Vallecas this Thursday, 3 October, to face Italian side Cagliari in the revived Trofeo de Vallecas. The friendly, kicking off at 14:00, marks the team's first home game of the season after a suspension on using the stadium was lifted by the local authorities.
The Madrid regional government's Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport removed the ban once the club addressed the identified shortcomings. The department had stated that "las condiciones de seguridad y salubridad no eran adecuadas" (the safety and health conditions were not adequate), forcing Rayo to host their initial home matches at Leganés's Butarque stadium. The authorities maintain that a comprehensive stadium renovation is ultimately needed.
For head coach Beñat San José, this friendly is a key chance to maintain competitive sharpness during the international break. The team heads into the match in solid defensive form, having conceded just one goal in their last 270 minutes of La Liga play. This defensive solidity comes as the team looks to improve its attacking output, having taken 8 points from their opening seven matches with one win, five draws, and one defeat. Their next official fixture is on 10 October, also at Vallecas, against 10th-placed Athletic Club.
Rayo Vallecano season ticket holders will have free entry to the match by using their current season pass. The Trofeo de Vallecas had not been held since 2019, making its return a significant moment for the club and its supporters.
This story first appeared at Mundo Deportivo
