Rayo Vallecano denied permission to use Vallecas; will play at Butarque
The Community of Madrid barred Vallecas from hosting the Racing Santander game; the match will be played at Leganés’ Butarque stadium.
Rayo Vallecano will be forced to play their second “home” match of the season away from their own ground after the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sport of the Community of Madrid ruled that the Vallecas stadium does not meet the conditions required to stage the game against Racing Santander.
The decision was reported on 03.09.2026 and means the match will be held at the Butarque stadium, the home ground of Leganés.
Rayo reacted angrily to the ruling, describing it as "a shame" and saying the club had already submitted full documentation proving that safety measures at Vallecas are in place.
Club says inspection carried out, awaiting response
The club also states that a thorough inspection was carried out at the Vallecas venue, and that it has not yet received an answer to its request to lift the preventive measure that bars matches from being played there.
The relocation to Butarque will require the team to host Racing Santander away from their own supporters' regular home and represents a fresh logistical setback early in the season.
Rayo must now complete arrangements for the fixture at Leganés’ ground while the question of Vallecas’ status remains unresolved.
Photo: A LaLiga Fan @A_Laliga_Fan (X)
