Two weeks after the suspension of the duel against Athletic, Rayo Vallecano returns to Vallecas on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. to receive Elche, in an environment that the fans and the League itself describe as “high risk.” The reason for the previous suspension was the protest of Rayo fans, who threw paper airplanes and rubber balls against President Martín Presa. With the controversy still fresh in memory, the Madrid club has issued a statement in which it regrets the “very profound damage” that the fans suffered due to the exile of the matches at the beginning of the season at the Vallecas Stadium and announces compensation to season ticket holders.
Rayo, which has maintained a three-day streak without defeats, faces an Elche that also arrives with its head held high after a series of positive results. The Rayo team has the starting lineup made up of Audero in goal, Balliu, Mujaid, Lejeune and Pedrosa in defense, Isi, Pathé, Ciss, Valentín and Álvaro in midfield, Unai López and Camello up front. Coach BeñatSanJosé, who recovers Ciss after the suspension and JorgedeFrutos, who recovered from an injury last week, hopes that the stands will once again cheer on the team.
Elche, led by MartínAnselmi, has a lineup with Dituro, Sangaré, Redondo, Chust and Revivo in defense, Morcillo, GonzaloVillar, TeteMorente or Cepeda, Lemar and GermánValera in midfield and FerNiño as forward. The only player who will not be able to participate is Marc Aguado, who is on sick leave. The coach, who did not comment on the climate of tension in Vallecas, did demand “exemplary measures” from LaLiga in case the match was suspended again.
The referee MiguelSesma, from the Riojano Committee, will be in charge of directing the match. Rayo fans, aware of recent history, hope that the match will be played without incident and that the atmosphere in the stands will once again be as it always was, with unconditional support for the team. The result of this match could have important implications on the League table, especially for clubs fighting to stay out of the relegation zone. With tension in the air and the possibility of repeated protests, the match promises to be an intense duel both on and off the field.