Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano is a professional soccer club based in the Vallecas district of Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1924, the team—nicknamed “Los Franjirrojos” for its iconic red‑and‑white striped kit—has spent most of its history fluctuating between Spain’s top two divisions. The club plays its home games at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, a 14,000‑seat stadium that is known for its passionate local supporters. Rayo’s most notable achievements include a historic run to the Copa del Rey final in 2020 and a series of successful promotions to La Liga, most recently in the 2022‑23 season. In recent years the team has embraced a high‑pressing, attacking style under a series of managers, and it continues to punch above its weight in Spain’s top flight. The 2025‑26 campaign has seen Rayo add French defender Lyes Lejeune to bolster the back line while maintaining a core of home‑grown talent.

As the 2025‑26 La Liga season enters its final stretch, Rayo Vallecano sits around mid‑table, currently 11th with 38 points after 33 matches. The club has shown resilience, highlighted by a 2‑1 victory over city rival Getafe in early May, a win that helped solidify their position away from the relegation zone. New signing Lyes Lejeune made his debut in the defensive line and has already contributed to a series of clean sheets. Off the field, midfielder Piti was fined after an incident involving a teammate’s car, underscoring the club’s focus on discipline. Rayo’s upcoming fixtures include a crucial clash with Sevilla and a home game against Athletic Bilbao, matches that could determine whether they finish the season comfortably above the drop zone or push for a European spot.