May 22, 2026, Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Barcelona, Spain: Joan Laporta, President-elect of FC Barcelona attends his press during the Koeman Cup by Fundation Sportium golf tournament at Club de Golf Barcelona on May 22, 2026 in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Spain.
Credit Image: © Javier Borrego/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire
On Monday, Barcelona were too good for Rayo Vallecano, as they Hansi Flick’s side won 5-2 at the Spotify Camp Nou. For their opponents, it has been a turbulent start to the season, both on and off the pitch – but particularly the latter, given that they are currently unable to play home matches at Vallecas.
The Madrid City Council has closed Vallecas for the time being due to a series of conditioning and habitability regulations not being complied with. Rayo insist that everything is up to standard, and also in agreement is Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who spoke on the matter when asked by El Chiringuito (via MD).
“It’s a shame what they’re doing to Rayo. It is very unfair. We have spoken with the president and his close people and it is clear that it is not correct. A solution must be found. The permits are already ready and Rayo would have to play in Vallecas.”
Vallecas has been difficult venue for Barcelona in recent years
Barcelona are due to face Rayo at Vallecas in March, and while the Madrid side would surely hope that their issues are solved by then, Flick and his players would probably welcome that match being played elsewhere. In the last five meetings between the two teams to have taken place in the south side of the Spanish capital, the Catalans have won only once (D3 L1), that being a 2-1 victory in August 2024.
If the situation at Vallecas stretches on for weeks and months, only then will Barcelona start to take a serious note of proceedings ahead of their visit in March. From a selfish perspective, they would certainly hope to avoid a trip there and play at somewhere like Butarque instead, although it is more important for Rayo and their supporters to be back at home soon.