Rayo eye Vallecas return for Athletic visit after third home game at Leganés | OneFootball

Rayo will again host Espanyol at Leganés’ Butarque on Tuesday, their third straight home date away from Vallecas. They hope to return for Athletic’s visit on Saturday 10 October at 14:00, though an official decision may not come until early October.

A fresh audit indicates the ground is fit for league games, which is Rayo’s stance. Telemadrid reported on Monday that regional councillor Mariano de Paco said officials are reviewing whether maintenance issues have been resolved and will try to stage the Athletic match at Vallecas, but it is too late to move Tuesday’s fixture.

On 28 July the Community of Madrid, which owns the stadium, suspended the Vallecas concession over safety and hygiene concerns, citing a 14 July audit. A public row has since pitted De Paco against club president Raúl Martín-Presa, in charge since 2011.

Forced to Leganés, Rayo have played before sparse crowds amid a boycott, with around 4,000 attending against Alavés and Racing, and similar expected on Tuesday. Anger has also grown over season tickets now around €500.

The club have cleaned the stadium, including toilets and seats. Martín-Presa insists the issue is age rather than dirt, even pointing to pigeons.

The regional government has approved a comprehensive rebuild, adding an end stand and a multi-purpose tower on adjacent land, raising capacity from 14,500 to 18,500. It is also pursuing sanctions to terminate the concession and retender the ground, arguing the club failed obligations, while noting recent fixes.

Source: El Correo

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