The Rayo Vallecano coach, Beñat SanJosé, expressed his discontent after the 0‑3 defeat against Elche, highlighting the lack of support from the stands and the role of the club's animation. At the press conference, the coach regretted that the match was played without the presence of fans, which, according to him, affected the team's spirit.
The match, held in Vallecas, ended with three penalty goals for Elche: two in the first half, scored by Federico Redondo and Fer Niño, and one in the second by Germán Valera. Rayo, which featured the outstanding performance of Argentine goalkeeper Matías Dituro, failed to score even a point. SanJosé praised Dituro as a “phenomenon” and noted that, despite the opportunities created, the team lost control of the game against an opponent who played very effectively.
The coach emphasized that the absence of the cheer section, which usually leads from the back of the stadium, was deeply felt. “We would have liked the stadium to be full,” he commented, emphasizing that the emptiness is due to the measures imposed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation after the incidents in the last match against Athletic Club de Bilbao. “Everyone has what they deserve no matter what the circumstances,” he added, emphasizing that Elche's victory was deserved and that Rayo must assume its responsibility for the result.
Regarding the dynamics of the match, SanJosé described the first half as “from one to the other”, with opportunities for both his team and the rival. However, the two penalties awarded to Rayo were a hard blow that “may be their virtue.” In the second half, Rayo tried to tie the score, but were unable to achieve any chances. The coach concluded that the result was not due to a lack of effort, but to the opponent's superiority on the field.
The coach also made reference to a penalty missed by the Senegalese Pathé Ciss, who had been favored by the referee. “There is a list of shooters and they are the ones who decide at the moment,” he explained, pointing out that the selection of shooters depends on the physical condition and confidence of each player.
In the future, Beñat SanJosé expressed his desire to reunite the Rayo family and recover the energy of the fans. “We want all the fans to be there, for the field to be full,” he stated, while emphasizing that the team will continue competing with the same intensity in the next matches.