Rayo Vallecano coach Beñat San José stated on Saturday that he hopes the team can play its next league match at Estadio de Vallecas. The LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 4 fixture against Real Racing Club de Santander is scheduled for September 5, just seven days away, but the venue remains uncertain. The stadium's situation, owned by the Community of Madrid, has the club on edge ahead of a key match. Rayo approaches this moment after an irregular start to the season, sitting 13th with just one point from two games, according to the latest data on our standings page.
Why isn't Rayo playing at Vallecas?
Estadio de Vallecas has been closed to the public for about a month. The Community of Madrid withdrew the concession due to serious safety deficiencies, general obsolescence, and severe regulatory non-compliance requiring major works. The club reacted by commissioning an external audit that produced a report over a thousand pages long. Regional technicians are studying that document but have not yet approved reopening. Meanwhile, Rayo has been forced to seek alternatives, and Racing itself announced during halftime of its match against Elche that the game would be played at Butarque the following week.
What did Beñat San José say?
The Rayo manager appeared hopeful but also critical of the uncertainty. "I hope we can play that match and if it's not official that we will play elsewhere I don't know why they have said it elsewhere," he declared. San José underlined the negative impact of this situation, which goes beyond the sporting aspect. "This situation is deteriorating the competition," stated the coach, who also mentioned the consequences for the club's fans and workers. The club has guaranteed him the stadium is in optimal condition for safety and play, but the final decision is not theirs.
What is the current status of the inspections?
La Liga has already inspected the stadium and the result was positive. The Community of Madrid has also inspected the facilities and has scheduled another visit for next week, just before the match. The verdict from that inspection will be decisive. Beñat San José's team faces this uncertainty at a delicate sporting moment. With only two goals scored and three conceded so far this season, the team needs stability. Their next commitment, before the Racing clash, is a difficult trip to face Barcelona, who are second in the table, on August 31.
How does this affect the team's planning?
The lack of a fixed venue severely complicates logistical and sporting preparation. San José described the situation as "tremendous" at a sporting level and admitted it affects the group a lot. With the match against Barcelona just around the corner, added to this stadium problem, the squad's focus is tested. The official schedule on our fixtures page shows a demanding sequence. Being six points behind leaders Alaves so early in the campaign adds pressure to correct course soon. Resolving the Vallecas case is therefore a key factor for Rayo Vallecano's season, beyond the match against Racing.
