Rayo return to reopened Vallecas v Athletic after exile in Leganés

📰 After more than a month and a half away, Rayo Vallecano return to Vallecas against Athletic Club on 10 October. 📌 Key points 🚧 The Madrid regional government closed the stadium in late July over serious defects. 🏟️ Rayo played three home games at Leganés' Butarque, winning two and drawing one. ✅ A second inspection found it fit for normal use, and the closure was lifted. ⚽ The return match is against Athletic Club on 10 October at 2pm local time. ⚠️ Proceedings to take away the club's concession are still ongoing. 📝 What happened 🚧 In late July the Community of Madrid suspended use of Vallecas after a first audit found serious structural defects. Rayo then went more than a month and a half without a home game in their own ground. 🏟️ They hosted Alavés, Racing Santander and Espanyol at Butarque in Leganés, taking seven points from nine. ✅ A second audit submitted by the club concluded the stadium was "operational and in adequate conditions", and the closure was lifted. The regional government is, however, continuing proceedings over alleged serious breaches of the concession. 🧱 During a friendly with Cagliari at Vallecas in the break, the presidential box was vandalised with broken seats and graffiti. The club called it part of a campaign of harassment and said it "will never yield". 📊 By the numbers • Two wins and a draw in three games at Butarque • Vallecas holds about 14,500 and is 50 years old • Proposed €57m, two-year renovation to 18,500 seats 👀 What to watch 🏟️ A true home again — Rayo were unbeaten in exile; can home fans lift them further? 🦁 Tough visitors — Athletic Club are strong enough to spoil the party. ⚠️ Off-pitch issues — the concession fight and renovation plans remain unresolved. 🔭 Why it matters Vallecas is at the heart of Rayo's neighbourhood identity. Regaining home advantage from 10 October would help their season, but the stadium's long-term future remains uncertain while the concession dispute goes on.