Key Takeaways
- Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez demands his squad stop dreaming about European glory and face the reality of their Conference League semi-final against Strasbourg
- The Madrid side will be without defenders Luiz Felipe and Alvaro Garcia for the first leg, though goalkeeper Augusto Batalla returns to the starting eleven
- Perez highlights the club’s unique social identity and firmly rejects any suggestion of swapping relegation survival for a European trophy
Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez has instructed his players to stop dreaming about the UEFA Conference League. He insists their semi-final clash with Strasbourg demands complete focus on reality, not fantasy.
The Spanish coach admits Thursday’s first leg at Vallecas stands among the biggest fixtures in the club’s history. Despite this, he trusts his squad possesses the mental strength to meet the challenge head-on.
Team news brings mixed fortunes for the hosts. Central defender Luiz Felipe and winger Alvaro Garcia will both miss the match through injury. However, goalkeeper Augusto Batalla has recovered from his fitness issues and will start between the posts. Perez refused to discuss the seven-match ban handed to midfielder Isi Palazon.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, the manager recalled his pre-match comments before the quarter-final victory over AEK Athens. On that occasion, he had joked about securing a 3-0 win. When asked for a similar prediction this time, he remained cautious.
“I cannot guess the score,” he laughed. “We must use our home advantage in the first leg. When opponents allow you to strike first, you must take that chance. We suffered against Athens in the previous round, but our mentality must remain identical tomorrow.”
He added that both teams enter the tie with valuable experience from earlier rounds. Strasbourg endured difficulties against Mainz, while Rayo overcame their own challenges.
Many squad members face their first European semi-final, yet Perez dismisses concerns about nerves. “I feel no nerves,” he stated. “We train together daily, so there is no reason for anxiety. Perhaps a little fear exists, but that is positive energy. Nerves appear when you are unprepared. We feel urgent for the match to begin. Vallecas is our home.”
Observers have labelled this encounter as potentially the most significant in the club’s entire history. Perez accepts the importance but avoids hyperbole. “Labels depend on perspective,” he explained. “For me, this might be the biggest game, yet others remember promotion battles differently. Tomorrow will write history regardless. My message stays consistent. Football requires mental expression. Even a convincing home win means nothing, as the tie finishes in France. The psychological battle represents ninety-nine percent of success.”
The manager recently watched a club video about the match. It reinforced his message about creating memories. “Whatever happens tomorrow stays in people’s hearts forever,” he said. “Dreaming belongs to the future. Now we must play, live, and exist in the present. Stop dreaming because this is real. That mindset offers the best preparation.”
Rayo Vallecano represents a unique case among Europe’s final four clubs. Their working-class Madrid neighbourhood and distinct social identity set them apart from wealthier opponents.
“We are very different,” Perez noted. “You sense it in our neighbourhood. There is a political dimension, though I avoid political speeches. Our social character distinguishes us from others. We want supporters’ passion reflected on the pitch. Since arriving here, the tunnel walk at Vallecas produces emotions I have never experienced elsewhere.”
Opponents Strasbourg arrive as surprise package of the tournament. Under English coach Gary O’Neil, the French side boasts numerous young talents thanks to BlueCo ownership, the same group that controls Chelsea.
“We have studied them thoroughly,” Perez revealed. “They field a young side with abundant talent. Their attacking approach demonstrates this quality. We must maintain our identity to secure victory.”
The manager believes semi-finals require less tactical intervention from coaches. “These matches play themselves,” he argued. “Earlier rounds demand more coaching input. This will be a difficult contest between two teams desperate to reach the final. They have youth, we have experience. A final would complete our historic journey perfectly.”
Local supporters have debated whether European glory justifies relegation from La Liga. Perez rejects this notion entirely.
“I do not consider that trade,” he insisted. “I would prefer losing a final over suffering relegation. Relegation causes pain that lingers for years. I understand our fans’ feelings. If I supported the club, like Sergio Camello suggests, I would back the team completely, especially with a Conference trophy possibly arriving.”
The first leg kicks off on Thursday evening at 21:00 local time in Vallecas. The return match takes place next week at the Stade de la Meinau at the same time.