Rayo Vallecano says parts of its stadium were damaged before the Trofeo de Vallecas. Masked men later surrounded the directors' box during the match against Cagliari.
Before kickoff, damage was found inside Estadio de Vallecas. Several masked men later surrounded the directors' box during the Trofeo de Vallecas against Cagliari, with officials and guests inside. Rayo Vallecano says it will formally report the damage on Monday.
The worst damage was in the authorities' box. Seat fabric had been torn, and several seats were marked with paint. The club also reported damage to the stadium facades.
Rayo returned to Vallecas after a 140-day absence, according to Cadena SER. The Trofeo de Vallecas against Cagliari went ahead despite the damage reported at the stadium.
Rayo Vallecano linked the attack to what it calls a campaign of harassment, extortion and intimidation against its president, Raúl Martín Presa, and his family. The club says the campaign has continued since 28 July, when the Comunidad de Madrid suspended activity at the stadium.
The club also challenged Mariano de Paco, the Consejero de Deporte, over the proposed public-private cooperation for Estadio de Vallecas. Rayo accused public servants of maintaining ties with ultra groups. Those are the club's allegations. They form the main political charge in its statement.
The Comunidad de Madrid lifted the suspension on the stadium’s use on the 14th, according to Marca. Earlier, the regional authorities had closed Vallecas on 28 July amid concerns about safety and maintenance, while the dispute later expanded to discussions about possible public-private management of the ground.
The dispute now has physical evidence inside the stadium. Rayo says it has footage from security cameras, along with records of the damaged seats and painted surfaces. AS, Cadena SER and infobae reported that the recordings had been given to police or would be included with the formal complaint.
The club says the authorities have already been informed. It expects a diligent response to what it calls an unacceptable assault on its social headquarters.
Rayo's return to its own ground also carried sporting meaning. The Trofeo de Vallecas was played again after seven years. The club called it a source of pride for the neighbourhood before its campaign to seek a sixth consecutive top-flight survival.
The club described the stadium attack as part of a wider conflict. Rayo Vallecano said threats had also included vandalism against the statue of the oso y el madroño during the same week.
An earlier Madrid report shows how disputes involving public authorities can quickly take on a national political dimension. The two cases concern different issues.
The sequence is clear. The stadium was damaged. Masked men surrounded the box during the match. The club announced a complaint supported by camera recordings.
The available facts do not show who carried out the vandalism or what action authorities will take. Rayo has put its evidence and accusations forward. Vallecas now needs accountability, not another exchange of declarations.
