Rayo Vallecano to Play First LaLiga Home Game in Butarque
LALIGA
The Butarque Stadium, owned by CD Leganés, will host the first LaLiga home game of Rayo Vallecano against Alavés on August 20. This change is due to the temporary withdrawal of the concession for the Vallecas stadium by the Community of Madrid.
Initially, Rayo had planned to play in Vallecas and, if not, had chosen El Plantío in Burgos as an alternative venue. However, after negotiations between both clubs with the mediation of the Community of Madrid, Rayo will start its LaLiga season at Butarque.
CD Leganés initially rejected the request from Rayo but eventually lowered their conditions to prioritize the interests of their fans and team. Rayo's first home game in Segunda Division is scheduled for August 29 against Eldense.
This 'exile' to Leganés, which occurred last season when facing Atlético de Madrid, is only temporary for Rayo's first local match. For the next match on September 5 against Racing de Santander, there is no confirmation yet about where it will be played. It could also be Butarque, although Rayo officials are optimistic that their home stadium will host the game.
The dispute over the Rayo-Alavés match in Butarque comes after the Community of Madrid, which owns the Vallecas stadium, decided to revoke Rayo's concession while works are being carried out due to 'grave safety deficiencies on the field that have generated a situation of general obsolescence and severe normative breaches'.
