At the Vallecas stadium in Madrid, a UEFA Conference League group stage match is underway between Rayo Vallecano and the Macedonian club Shkendija. By halftime, the Spanish team secured a two-goal lead, with Unai López and Fran Pérez finding the net. The visitors from North Macedonia struggled to withstand the hosts’ pressure, although goalkeeper Gaye made several saves to prevent an even larger deficit.
Rayo Vallecano head coach Iñigo Pérez made a bold move by making eight changes to the starting lineup compared to the last La Liga game. However, the defensive line remained almost unchanged: Batalla, Balliu, Lejeune, Josua Vertroud, and Pacha Espino kept their positions. This decision allowed the team to maintain a balance between attack and defense.
The match organizers declared the event high risk. More than three hundred police officers are ensuring order in the stands and surrounding areas. The reason was concerns over the arrival of a group of radical supporters from Macedonia. Due to UEFA requirements, changes were made to the stadium, including the removal of the memorial mural that had adorned the arena for the past five seasons.
At Vallecas, the atmosphere is a mix of excitement and hope. Fans and players recognize the importance of this match for the club’s future in European competition. The referee team is led by Finnish official Mohammad Al-Emara, while the VAR system is overseen by German Robert Schröder.
Rayo Vallecano aims to build on their successful start to the season and advance to the next round of the Conference League. The team is focused on reaching the final and winning the tournament, highlighting the club’s ambitions in this competition.
