Match Summary

The game at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez saw Rayo Vallecano take an early lead. However, Getafe responded in the second half with Martin Satriano scoring the equaliser. The home side faced an uphill battle after Djené was sent off before the interval.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Getafe managed to secure a point. Rayo Vallecano dominated possession with 68% and registered 21 shots throughout the match, highlighting their control over the game’s flow.

Carvajal’s Arrival and Immediate Impact

Carvajal, 34, joined Getafe as a free agent on October 13, 2026, signing a contract that runs until June 30, 2027, after departing Real Madrid. His debut marks a new chapter for the experienced right-back, who arrived with an impressive career record, including 51 caps for Spain and 29 titles with Real Madrid and the national team.

However, Carvajal will miss Getafe’s upcoming Conference League fixture against Lugano due to suspension, meaning his next appearance will have to wait for La Liga action.

League Standings and Upcoming Fixtures

The draw leaves both Getafe and Rayo Vallecano on nine points in the league standings. Getafe currently sit 14th after nine games, while Rayo Vallecano are 13th with a game in hand.

Getafe’s next challenge is in the Conference League, where they will host Lugano on Thursday, October 22. Rayo Vallecano will return to La Liga action on Saturday, October 24, when they host Elche at the Estadio de Vallecas.

Rayo Vallecano‘s La Liga match against Athletic Club was abandoned after supporters repeatedly threw objects onto the pitch during protests directed at club president Raúl Martín Presa. Referee José María Sánchez Martínez ultimately ordered the teams off the field following the escalating disruption.

The incident began in the 13th minute when fans behind the goal occupied by Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón started throwing small balls and paper planes onto the field. Play was initially stopped, and the teams resumed after a brief delay. However, when objects were thrown again, the referee sent the players to the dressing rooms. Despite another attempt to restart, the protests recurred, leading to the definitive suspension of the match.

LaLiga confirmed that the fixture would not be played later that day or on Sunday, October 11, leaving Athletic Club’s delegation to return to Bilbao without completing their commitment.

A Season of Disruption for Athletic Club

The abandonment adds to a significantly disrupted season for Athletic Club. This marks the third time one of their first eight league commitments has seen its date changed. Earlier in the season, their match at Levante was postponed due to heavy rain and pitch conditions, eventually being rescheduled for October 21.

The lack of a confirmed replacement date for the Rayo Vallecano fixture further complicates Athletic’s schedule. The first potential opening in their calendar has been suggested as the week beginning November 2, with November 4 or 5 mentioned as possibilities. The team’s next scheduled match is an away trip to Valencia on Saturday, October 17, for the ninth round of La Liga. The ongoing postponements mean Athletic Club faces a prolonged gap between competitive matches, having last played on September 19.

Long-Standing Protests at Vallecas

The fan protests at Vallecas are not an isolated incident. Opposition to president Raúl Martín Presa has reportedly continued for years. Just a week prior to the Athletic Club fixture, during a friendly match against Cagliari, there were reports of graffiti and an attempt to enter the directors’ box, indicating a sustained period of unrest among Rayo Vallecano supporters.

Sergio Camello is enjoying his most prolific season in La Liga, having scored seven goals in just seven games for Rayo Vallecano. The forward attributes this career-best form to a “freer approach” to football, influenced by personal reflection and support. This impressive run places him among Europe’s top scorers, with only Barcelona‘s Raphinha having netted more across the continent’s top five leagues.

Rediscovering the Joy of Football

Camello revealed that conversations with friends, including his twin brother Gonzalo, and sessions in therapy have been instrumental in helping him reconnect with the enjoyment he felt playing football as a child. He described finding it easier than expected to change his mindset, allowing him to be himself and play with greater freedom. This shift has helped him overcome past pressures, where setbacks could lead to frustration and negativity. He previously recorded league totals of five, three, and three goals in prior campaigns, making his current tally a significant personal best.

Tactical Shifts and Community Spirit

Beyond the personal changes, new coach Beñat San José has also made tactical adjustments, altering Camello’s movement on the pitch. The forward also highlighted the strong connection between Rayo Vallecano and its neighbourhood, describing the club as an integral part of the community rather than just based there. This unique environment, he suggested, helps keep players grounded.

The club recently faced challenges with its home ground, the Estadio de Vallecas, being declared unsafe. This forced a temporary relocation for home matches, which supporters boycotted. Rayo Vallecano was scheduled to return to Vallecas on Saturday 10 October.

Despite this new level of attention, Camello maintains he sees himself as a normal person from a humble team. He stressed that football has brought him far more positive experiences than difficult ones, and rediscovering this perspective – rather than treating each match as a test of his worth – has been key to his current success.

• Joan Garcia wins the Zamora Trophy for best goalkeeper after saving 11 expected goals for Barcelona.
• Four Barcelona stars make the elite selection, including teenage sensation Lamine Yamal with 42 goal contributions.
• Midtable clubs provide unexpected heroes, with Espanyol, Rayo Vallecano and Getafe players earning podium spots.
• Marcos Llorente and Marc Pubill represent Atletico Madrid after strong defensive displays.
• The selection highlights the tight competition in the middle of the table during the 2025-26 campaign.

The 2025-26 La Liga season has ended with a star-studded Best XI announcement. Four players from champions Barcelona headline the selection. However, the team also celebrates heroes from smaller clubs who punched above their weight.

Joan Garcia stands between the posts after claiming his first Zamora Trophy. The Barcelona keeper prevented 11 expected goals this term. His value showed clearly during October and November. When injuries kept him out, the Catalan side conceded over half a goal more per match. His replacement could not match his stunning saves.

In defence, Marcos Llorente takes the right-back spot. The Atletico Madrid man combines electric pace with endless stamina. He defends with power and drives forward constantly. Andrei Ratiu of Rayo Vallecano takes second place after converting from winger to full-back. Marc Pubill partners him in the centre. The Atletico defender produced heroic displays against Barcelona and Arsenal in knockout ties. He proved he belongs at the highest level.

Pau Cubarsi of Barcelona claims second spot among centre-backs. The 17-year-old grew stronger as the season progressed. Rayo’s 34-year-old captain earns top billing at centre-back. He used his body cleverly to balance physical play with fair tackles. His clean tackles kept the Madrid club in European contention and took them to a cup final.

Carlos Romero of Espanyol wins the left-back race. He scored three goals and provided six assists. The defender improved his positioning while offering threat in attack. He can cross early, cut inside or reach the by-line.

Midfield belongs to Barcelona’s Pedri. The Spanish international dictates the tempo with clever touches. He waits for teammates to move, then finds the perfect angle. Barcelona lost half of their ten defeats when he did not start. Fermin Lopez earns the attacking midfield spot. Despite playing various roles, he scored 13 goals and made 17 assists. He produced one contribution every 92 minutes. He also worked hard defensively when injuries hit Gavi and Raphinha.

Mauro Arambarri of Getafe claims the defensive midfield position. He provided 10 assists in a side that scored only 32 goals. His strike secured European football for the modest club. Koke Resurreccion finishes second after rolling back the years for Atletico.

Lamine Yamal dominates the right wing category. The teenager provided 42 goal contributions in 45 matches. Critics once claimed he could not beat defenders. Now he leads Barcelona’s attack and drives their Champions League ambitions. Arda Guler of Real Madrid takes second place with 14 assists despite limited starts.

• Oliver Glasner claims his second European trophy in his final match as Eagles boss
• Jean-Philippe Mateta’s solitary strike secures maiden continental crown for south London club
• Premier League sides maintain dominance over Spanish opposition in continental finals
• Austrian manager hints at Bundesliga return after emotional Red Bull Arena farewell
• Medical emergency and crowd disturbances mar showpiece event in Leipzig

Crystal Palace have written their name into the history books by capturing their first-ever European trophy. The south London outfit defeated Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in a tense final held at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.

Jean-Philippe Mateta proved the hero of the hour. The French forward found the back of the net to register the only goal of the match. This victory marks the club’s third major honour and comes at the end of Oliver Glasner’s reign as head coach.

The win continues a remarkable pattern for English teams against La Liga opponents in this competition. It is the second consecutive season that a Premier League club has overcome Spanish resistance in this final.

Mateta’s journey to this moment has been far from straightforward. The striker previously netted 24 times in Germany’s top flight for Mainz across 67 matches before joining Palace in 2021. Earlier this year, he almost departed for AC Milan, but the move collapsed when he failed his medical examination.

Glasner departs having restored the club to the pinnacle of European football. The Austrian tactician previously guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League success in 2022. During the medal ceremony, he recreated his famous knee slide celebration from that Frankfurt triumph. Reports now suggest a return to the Bundesliga could be his next destination.

The Palace squad boasts significant German top-flight experience. Centre-back Chris Richards featured for Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim, whilst defender Maxence Lacroix played for Wolfsburg. Midfielder Daichi Kamada and full-back Borna Sosa also bring Bundesliga pedigree from their time at Frankfurt and Stuttgart respectively.

The occasion was not without controversy. Supporters from both camps were involved in violent clashes before kick-off. Additionally, the match suffered a brief stoppage during the first period when a medical emergency occurred in the Rayo Vallecano section of the ground.

This victory adds to an already memorable week for English football. Aston Villa lifted the Europa League trophy last weekend, whilst Arsenal now have the opportunity to complete a historic treble for Premier League clubs when they face Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final.

• Crystal Palace win first European trophy with 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig
• Jean-Philippe Mateta scores decisive goal seven minutes after half-time
• Rayo Vallecano dominate possession but fail to convert clear chances
• Oliver Glasner’s tactical discipline ends Inigo Perez’s European fairytale

Crystal Palace have won the UEFA Conference League. The Premier League club beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the final on Wednesday night in Leipzig, Germany.

The Eagles lifted their first European trophy thanks to a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta. The striker reacted quickly to a rebound early in the second half and found the net.

The first half was tense but goalless. Both teams played with caution and made few mistakes. Rayo had the best chance after 24 minutes when Alemao shot wide. Palace came close just before the break when Tyrick Mitchell headed over the bar.

After the interval, Palace attacked with more speed. Mateta struck in the 52nd minute after the Rayo goalkeeper saved the initial shot. The goal gave the English side control of the match.

Rayo tried to find an equaliser in the final 20 minutes. Jorge de Frutos hit the side-netting and Andrei Ratiu forced a good save from Dean Henderson. However, the Spanish club could not break down the Palace defence.

Yeremy Pino almost made it 2-0 for Palace. His free-kick hit the post twice late in the game. Oliver Glasner’s team then slowed the pace and managed the game professionally until the final whistle.

The victory marks a historic moment for Crystal Palace. It is their first major European title. Rayo Vallecano must settle for runners-up medals after an impressive journey to the final.

• Rayo Vallecano suffered a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League final
• Manager Inigo Perez became emotional when speaking about the supporters’ reaction to the loss
• Fans unveiled a banner stating their pride in the team despite the defeat
• Perez refused to answer questions regarding his future at the Spanish club
• The Rayo boss admitted Crystal Palace were the better side on the night

Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez fought back tears as he faced the media following his team’s narrow defeat in the UEFA Conference League final. The Spanish side lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in a tense clash, leaving the Vallecas club without European silverware.

Perez entered the press conference to warm applause but struggled to contain his emotions. He explained that watching supporters cry after the match caused him deep pain. The coach stated that seeing the fans’ disappointment breaks your spirit, even though the supporters themselves tried to lift the players’ morale.

The Rayo faithful displayed a powerful message of solidarity at full-time. They raised a banner which read: “The greatest victory, was being with you in defeat.” This gesture touched Perez deeply. He noted that the fans demand strength yet offer unwavering support during difficult moments.

The manager rejected suggestions that this result represented a failure of the club’s philosophy. He insisted that Rayo Vallecano’s true character shows in daily life at the training ground and in the local community, not just in cup finals. Perez emphasized that the neighbourhood and the fans remain the driving force behind everything the club achieves.

Regarding the match itself, Perez showed grace in defeat. He accepted that Crystal Palace deserved their victory. The winning goal came from an isolated attacking move that shocked his team. Although Rayo Vallecano recovered their composure after conceding, they could not find an equaliser. Perez admitted his team never reached their usual high standards during the 90 minutes.

When journalists asked about his personal future, Perez declined to comment. He called it unfair to discuss such matters immediately after the final whistle. However, he praised his squad’s togetherness, describing them as genuine friends who protect one another.

The defeat ends a memorable European campaign for the Madrid-based club. Perez remains proud of his players’ efforts throughout the season, though the final result leaves a bitter taste for everyone connected with Rayo Vallecano.

• Oliver Glasner reveals plans to visit Basque Country to study successful Spanish coaching methods
• Crystal Palace boss preparing for final match in charge against Rayo Vallecano in UEFA Conference League final
• Midfielder Adam Wharton and defender Chris Richards train despite injury doubts ahead of Wednesday’s clash
• Austrian coach insists Eagles are relaxed after completing tactical preparations last week
• Glasner defends earlier disagreements with squad as necessary for winning trophies

Oliver Glasner will travel to the Basque Country this summer to investigate why so many top coaches come from this region. The Crystal Palace boss revealed his plans while speaking before his final match in charge against Rayo Vallecano.

The Austrian will guide the Eagles into their first ever European final on Wednesday evening. This UEFA Conference League showdown in Bilbao represents his last game at Selhurst Park. During his time in London, Glasner has lifted both the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

The departing manager hopes to add the Conference League trophy to his collection. He praised the commitment shown by his squad and backroom staff across the campaign. “When you see the effort from everyone this season, winning would mean so much,” he stated. “It would create a fantastic ending. However, this is football and sport. You cannot predict what will happen. We must simply enjoy the experience.”

Glasner maintains a calm approach towards the historic fixture. He confirmed that his team finished their tactical preparation during the previous week. The coaching staff screened videos of their Spanish opponents for the players. They studied how Vallecano operate with various defensive formations.

“We cannot complete any new preparation tomorrow,” Glasner explained. “We began our tactical meetings seven days ago. The players watched footage of Vallecano using three or four defenders at the back. We examined their style with high possession and low possession.”

The 50-year-old wants his squad to remain relaxed before the late kick-off at 21:00 local time. He particularly enjoys observing the players during head tennis sessions. “They play like children. It brings me great joy,” he said. “These moments show the unity within the group. I hope they are smiling tomorrow rather than being nervous and quiet. When they express themselves freely, we maximise our chances.”

Reporters questioned Glasner about the Basque coaching phenomenon producing figures like Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, Andoni Iraola and Inigo Perez. The Palace boss responded with humour: “I will visit this summer to discover their methods. I want to know what food they eat. The region clearly produces something special.”

Two important Palace stars face fitness tests before the final. Midfielder Adam Wharton and defender Chris Richards both carried injury worries into the week. Nevertheless, both men completed the full training session on Tuesday morning. Glasner explained that the medical team will monitor them constantly.

“It is positive that both players completed training today,” he noted. “There are 36 hours between now and kick-off. The medical department will work late into the night and return early tomorrow. I will only pick athletes who are completely fit. If doubts remain, I will select another player for the starting eleven.”

Earlier this season, speculation suggested Glasner might exit before the campaign concluded. The manager defended the difficult periods by explaining that conflict drives success. He actually encourages players to question his decisions.

“December and January presented challenges,” he admitted. “But we needed to secure our league status and concentrate on Europe. External noise exceeded internal problems. If athletes simply agree with everything, you cannot develop. When players challenge my ideas, it forces me to improve. This process brings trophies.”

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson joked that he would never disagree with the Austrian. The general atmosphere inside the camp appears positive and stress-free. Palace secured their Premier League safety early, allowing full focus on continental glory.

• Rayo Vallecano face Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday night.
• Manager Iñigo Pérez demands his team honour the Vallecas community and ignore outside distractions.
• Club captain Óscar Trejo will play his final match after ten years of service across two spells.
• Both clubs are hunting for their first-ever European trophy at the Leipzig Arena.
• Thousands of Rayo fans have travelled to Germany, with more watching on big screens back home.

Rayo Vallecano boss Iñigo Pérez has instructed his squad to focus on their roots. He wants them to represent the Vallecas neighbourhood when they battle Crystal Palace for the UEFA Conference League trophy.

The Spanish team trained at the Leipzig Arena on Tuesday. They arrived in Germany on Monday evening. Pérez hopes his players can block out the noise surrounding the final.

“We will face things we do not normally experience,” he explained. “We must ignore the attention and accept every situation. It is vital we keep our identity. That will give us the best chance.”

The manager refuses to demand victory from his players. Instead, he asks them to repeat the performances that brought them this far.

“There is only one step left,” Pérez added. “I do not like saying ‘we must win.’ I cannot put that pressure on them. If they stick to their usual routines, they will feel calm and confident.”

Pérez believes representing their working-class district matters more than the result itself. He feels this approach will guide them toward success.

“We must think about Vallecas and our supporters,” he stated. “If we show our usual spirit, we will be on the right path. We cannot control the score, but we can control our attitude. We must ignore comparisons that are only for marketing.”

The club expects its largest ever away following in Leipzig. Back in Madrid, supporters queued for hours to enter the stadium and watch the match on giant screens.

“I have felt this all season,” Pérez said. “You owe an emotional debt to these fans. You feel responsible for making them proud. That matters more than the result. I hope our style of play matches what we have achieved so far.”

The Rayo manager sees similarities between his team and their English opponents. He notes both sides value hard work, though they play different systems.

“We share characteristics,” he observed. “We both understand sacrifice, even if our tactics differ. We both put the team first. When two groups like this meet, the collision is powerful. If we could have chosen our opponents at the start, we would have picked them.”

Pérez admits he feels more pressure than his players. He worries about giving them clear instructions.

“I feel the weight of making sure they understand the plan,” he confessed. “Until yesterday, I was absorbed by that. Now it is down to the players. As a player, you feel the stimuli directly. Both jobs carry responsibility, but tonight belongs to the players.”

Midfielder Óscar Trejo will wear the Rayo shirt for the last time. He has served the club for a decade across two separate periods. He described the occasion as magical.

“Tomorrow, a group of friends will play together,” Trejo said. “The journey has been hard. When we started, we did not know how long it would continue. We must give everything and enjoy the moment.”

Trejo wants to create happy memories for the travelling supporters.

“I am grateful for this moment and for my teammates,” he added. “There will be nerves, but we should enjoy this. The fans deserve happiness.”

Both clubs seek their maiden international honour. For Rayo, it would be their first major trophy in history. The club wants to enjoy the occasion rather than fear it.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner also appeared relaxed. He stated his team were satisfied with their preparation.

• Rayo Vallecano stars donated thousands of euros to help fans cheated by bogus travel agents
• Fraudsters sold fake €250 flight and bus packages to the UEFA Conference League final in Germany
• Captain Oscar Valentin, Sergio Camello, Andrei Ratiu and Dani Cardenas led the player fundraising
• The Madrid club face Crystal Palace in Leipzig next Wednesday for their first major trophy
• Fans also crowdfunded €1,034 in two hours to help an 80-year-old supporter attend the match

Players from Rayo Vallecano have shown remarkable solidarity by using their own money to help supporters who fell victim to fraudsters. The fans had paid for travel to the UEFA Conference League final in Germany, only to discover the travel company was a scam.

The fraud offered supporters a deal of €250 for flights and buses to Leipzig. Many fans paid this money, but the company vanished with their cash. One supporter explained the situation on social media and appealed to the squad for help.

Club captain Oscar Valentin saw the message and responded immediately. Shortly after, several players sent funds to help the victims. Goalkeeper Dani Cardenas gave €400, right-back Andrei Ratiu donated €1,000, and forward Sergio Camello contributed €2,000 to the cause.

This is not the first time the Rayo community has rallied together this week. Earlier, fans raised over €1,034 in just two hours to help an 80-year-old supporter named Enrique. He had also lost money on a bus trip to the final. The supporters used a crowdfunding page to buy him a seat on a chartered flight instead.

Rayo Vallecano will clash with Crystal Palace in Leipzig next Wednesday. The small Madrid-based club has shocked European football by reaching their first continental final in only their second campaign. They eliminated sides like Strasbourg and AEK Athens to secure their place.

The final promises to be a historic occasion for the club from Vallecas. They hope to lift their first major piece of silverware in history.