Rayo Vallecano closed out its stint at Butarque with a 2-1 win over Espanyol, completing this stretch unbeaten and clearing the way for a return to Vallecas. The regional government has lifted the stadium suspension, and Rayo will play at home again on October 10. That ends several weeks of uncertainty for the team and its supporters. Information from El Correo and other sources, a new audit found the stadium "operational and suitable for regular use," though the administrative case against the club remains open.
The atmosphere at Butarque was subdued. Only a few Rayo fans made the trip, and the empty stands stood in sharp contrast to the energy on the field. Rayo wasted no time: Álvaro García scored in the second minute after an early mistake by Espanyol. By the 25th minute, Adrià Pedrosa added a second, capitalizing on Espanyol's slow start to put Rayo in control.
Espanyol, led by Manolo González, rotated three players to keep the squad fresh, but the changes had little effect in the first half. After halftime, Espanyol responded: Roberto Fernández scored in the 53rd minute to cut the deficit. The visitors pushed hard, but Rayo's defense held up under pressure, with Mujaid Sadick making his first start at center-back. Fanzium and BBC Sport both confirmed that the 2-1 result kept Rayo unbeaten during this spell away from home.
The match had its share of cards. Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos booked Unai López, Marcos Fernández, Heorhii Tsitaishvili, Pathé Ciss, Gnangoro, and Alemão, then sent off Omar in stoppage time. The tension on the pitch contrasted with the quiet stands. Rayo's exile began after a July inspection found serious safety and documentation issues at Vallecas, as reported by Telecinco and Infobae, prompting the stadium's suspension.
Rayo leaves Leganés unbeaten across three matches, with two wins and a draw, showing the squad's ability to get results in unfamiliar surroundings. The team stayed focused and delivered in nearly empty stadiums, as it has in other recent dramatic finishes in Spanish football, including this earlier match.
With its return to Vallecas confirmed, Rayo can turn its attention back to football. The club handled the stadium crisis, navigating the forced move while maintaining its form and discipline, better than many would have expected. The empty seats in Butarque were a reminder of what was lost, but the points matter most. Rayo's ability to adapt and win in tough circumstances sets it up for a challenging homecoming, with expectations high.
