Rayo Vallecano’s return to Vallecas has been cleared for 10 October, removing a stadium issue that had forced the Madrid club to stage home fixtures at Butarque and adding a significant off-pitch development to their meeting with Osasuna.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Osasuna v Rayo Vallecano | LaLiga EA Sports, matchday 7 |
| Last 10 meetings | Osasuna 6 wins, Rayo 3 wins, 1 draw |
| Vallecas return | 10 October, against Athletic |
| Álvaro García at Rayo | Joined in summer 2018; 32 top-flight goals for the club |
The teams were selected by Ramis for Osasuna and San José for Rayo, although the available information did not specify the individual players in either starting side. Rayo arrived after ending their Butarque spell with a win over Espanyol, while Osasuna were looking to respond after a heavy defeat at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano.
Vallecas suspension lifted
Rayo will next play at their own ground when Athletic visit on 10 October. The Community of Madrid lifted the suspension on the stadium on Monday after a second audit found that the venue was functioning properly and suitable for normal use.
The decision brings an end to the club’s temporary displacement to Butarque. Their victory against Espanyol there closed that chapter, allowing the attention to turn back to Vallecas and the demanding rhythm of the season.
A familiar contest at El Sadar
Osasuna hold the stronger recent record in this fixture, winning six of the sides’ past 10 encounters. Rayo have taken three victories, with one match ending level.
El Sadar was expected to provide a major advantage for the Pamplona side in a contest between two teams known for high-intensity displays. The respective recent results, however, gave the occasion contrasting starting points: Rayo travelled with a win behind them, while Osasuna sought a reaction.
García’s long Rayo story
Álvaro García remains one of the defining figures of Rayo’s modern era. Since arriving from Utrera in 2018, when he became the club’s record signing, the 33-year-old winger has developed into Rayo’s leading scorer in Spain’s top division with 32 goals.
At Osasuna, sporting director Braulio Vázquez spoke warmly about his attachment to the club, saying he did not expect to feel as at home anywhere else as he has in Pamplona. He described his gratitude as lasting, said the club’s supporters had endured difficult and happy moments together, and expressed pride at having been part of Osasuna.
