Rayo Vallecano - Athletic returns to Vallecas after 35 days

rayo vallecano - athletic kicks off in Vallecas with both sides on the field for warmups and confirmed lineups, marking the neighborhood’s first home match 35 days after the defeat to Osasuna.

Rayo and Athletic take the field with lineups confirmed

Both teams have released confirmed lineups and were on the turf beginning their warm-up exercises, a detail noted as players prepared for the midday fixture that will test Rayo’s recent momentum after an extended absence from Vallecas.

Vallecas hosts first game in 35 days after pitch work and postponements

Rayo had not played at home since the loss to Osasuna more than a month ago, and the club’s return follows a change of pitch and days of heavy rain that preceded the abrupt postponement of the Oviedo match just four hours before kickoff; the side was forced into exile at Butarque, where it played the derby against Atlético.

Form, availability and stakes for both sides

The exile to Butarque proved pivotal on the pitch: Rayo beat Atlético 3-0 there and later drew 1-1 with Betis, results the club hopes to extend now that it has all available players for a second consecutive match, even as six members of the squad sit one booking away from suspension.

Athletic balancing La Liga run and a Copa semi return

Athletic arrives having won three straight league games against Levante, Oviedo and Elche, and the club has one eye on the return leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal at Anoeta in four days; coach Valverde has recovered Berenguer and Jauregizar but will be without Nico Williams, Prados, Sannadi and Eguiluz, and the suspended Yeray, while Sancet—described as a recurrent threat to Rayo—will be available.

Columnist Carlos Zaballa framed the match as an opportunity for Athletic to reach four consecutive league wins, noting the game comes just four days before the Copa semifinal at Anoeta and that a victory at midday would boost morale ahead of that tie.

Lineups are set and both teams were completing warmups in Vallecas, where the neighborhood has awaited top-flight football since the Osasuna defeat; the next confirmed fixture tied to this game is Athletic’s Copa del Rey semifinal return at Anoeta in four days.