\"Rayo Vallecano\": what is known about the club

\"Rayo Vallecano\" is a football team from the Madrid Vallecas district, founded in 1924. It is distinguished by its special identity: it does not just play football, but represents a whole district with its own history and voice. This is a club for those who cheer not for trophies, but for an idea, for the spirit of the streets, for something real.

The principles of \"Rayo\" are loyalty to one's own, resistance to patterns, support of local people, even when it goes against the interests of big money or power. In this club, they never chased glitter — here they always valued heart.

\n
\"Rayo Vallecano is proof that football can be more than a sport: it can be the voice of an area, its soul and its pride.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

History of Rayo Vallecano

The history of the club began in working class Vallecas, where football was not entertainment, but part of everyday life. For a long time, the team played at the level of regional championships, without the support of big sponsors.

For the first time loudly, \"Rayo\" reminded about itself in 1977, when it entered the elite - La Liga. This breakthrough was remembered not only as a sporting achievement, but as a moment when an ordinary club from the suburbs suddenly found itself among the giants. It was then that the uniform with a zipper appeared for the first time — a detail that later became iconic.

The following decades were not easy: the team often changed divisions, struggled with financial difficulties. But in 2000, thanks to the Fair Play rating, the club found itself in the European Cups and reached the UEFA Cup quarterfinals** — more than even the most optimistic fans could have imagined.

\n
\"Already in the 21st century, the situation wavered again - relegation to a lower league, debts, crises. But even in difficult years, Rayo kept its face.\"
\n

In 2021, the team returned to La Liga and immediately reminded of itself — victories over strong rivals, the semi-finals of the Cup, full stands, emotions.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Rayo Vallecano Stadium

The home stadium - \"Campo de Vallecas\" - is small, a bit old-fashioned, no gloss. But this is precisely his power. The arena holds a little more than 14 thousand fans, but when it's full, it seems like there are much more people.

Fans here are part of the game. They are not silent, not passive observers, but active participants. And it is felt from the first minutes of the match. Opponents are always difficult in this stadium. Not because of the size, but because of the atmosphere.

Achievements of \"Rayo Vallecano\"

The club has never won La Liga or the Cup of Spain, but there are events in its history that will forever remain memorable:

Getting to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup in the 2000/01 season is one of the club's highest European results.
The Semi-finals of the Spanish Cup in 2021/22 is one of the brightest seasons of the last decade.
Victory over Real Madrid in 2022 is an event that fans will remember for a long time.
Each return to Primera is the result of perseverance and work, not large investments.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Famous players of Rayo Vallecano

The team never had many stars, but there were those who are remembered and respected here:

Hugo Sanchez is a legend of Mexican football who spent an important stage of his career at the club.
\n
Raul Tamudo is a forward who always appeared in important moments.
\n
Andoni Iraola — as a player and as a coach he left a markable mark in the life of the club.
\n
Tito is an example of loyalty, a player who was respected even by opponents.
\n
Oscar Trejo is the current leader and one of those who embody the spirit of Rayo.
\n

Interesting facts about Rayo Vallecano

The only club from Madrid with a clear social position - fans actively oppose racism, inequality and injustice.
\n
The zipper kit is one of the most recognizable in Spanish football.
\n
\"Campo de Vallecas\" is the smallest stadium of the Primera, but with one of the most powerful atmospheres.
\n
Ultra-culture here is not about aggression, but about principles and solidarity.
\n
\"Rayo\"** is often played by football players for whom it is a chance to show themselves, and not just the next step.
\n

\n
\"Rayo Vallecano reminds us that football can be the voice of ordinary people, their dreams and beliefs.\"
\n

It is worth noting that \"Rayo Vallecano\" remains a unique phenomenon not only in Spanish, but also in world football, proving that a club can be successful without betraying its principles. Will the team be able to establish a foothold in La Liga and continue the fight with the giants? One thing is certain — Vallecas' spirit and social consciousness make Rayo a special place where football serves society and every victory is a victory of ordinary people over the system. This is a club that proves that real power is not in money, but in unity and loyalty to one's ideals.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/737_4853e014c0.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_737_4853e014c0.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_737_4853e014c0.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_737_4853e014c0.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_737_4853e014c0.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_737_4853e014c0.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_737_4853e014c0.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}}},"league":{"id":697,"name":"La Liga","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"domestic_league","createdAt":"2024-11-05T08:58:17.552Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-10T17:14:29.086Z","stb_id":"primera-division","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"## La Liga statistics, history, meaning\n\n**La Liga** is the **main professional soccer league in Spain**, its official name is **Primera División**. It stands on **the first rung in the hierarchy of Spanish football**. The best teams of the country compete here, such as \"Barcelona\", \"Real Madrid\", \"Atletico\" and other clubs that have long become part of the \"European football elite\".\n\nBut **La Liga** is not just a domestic championship. Her matches are broadcast in more than **180 countries** and each tour attracts the attention of **millions**. With bright players, spectacular play and dramatic confrontations, **La Liga football** has long been more than a sport.\n\n> \"It is a cultural phenomenon that unites a nation and attracts views from around the world.\"\n\n**History of La Liga: creation and development**\n\nThe beginning of the history of **La Liga** is **1929**. Then the **Spanish Federation** decided: it was time to have a regular championship where the strongest clubs would compete every week.\n\nIn the **first season** there were only **10 contestants**. Among them are \"Barcelona\", \"Real Madrid\", \"Athletic Bilbao\". And it was \"**Barca**\" that became the **first champion**. Thus began the path that later turned into one of the **brightest football stories in Europe**.\n\n## La Liga history\n\n* **1930s** — the number of teams is growing, the tournament is gradually gaining momentum.\n* **After the Civil War** - **La Liga** returns and the people's love for football grows even stronger.\n* **1950s** — **star era of \"Real\"** with **Alfredo Di Stefano**.\n* **1980s** — the championship becomes competitive, Spanish clubs are making a louder statement about themselves in Europe.\n* **1990s–2000s** — **Messi, Ronaldo, Zidane, Ronaldinho**… Each **La Liga season** is a separate chapter of football magic.\n* **2010s** — **La Liga** is the dominant force in European cups. Spanish teams win all matches.\n\n> \"Today there are 20 teams in the league. And the champion of Spain is not just a title, but a real symbol of football superiority.\"\n\n## Legendary players and clubs\n\n**La Liga** was played by those who today are called **icons**:\n\n* **Lionel Messi** is the most goals in history.\n* **Cristiano Ronaldo** is a symbol of the era, one of the best in the world.\n* **Iniesta, Xavi, Ronaldo, Zidane** are players whose names are written in football textbooks.\n\n**Among the clubs:**\n* **Real Madrid** is the undisputed leader in terms of titles.\n* **Barcelona** is the main rival, with a unique style of play.\n* **Atletico** is a team that has turned defense into an art.\n\n## Competition format La Liga football\n\n* **20 teams** play in the championship.\n* Each plays **38 matches** — at home and away.\n* In total — **380 matches per season**.\n\n**The system is simple and honest:**\n* **Victory** — 3 points.\n* **Tie** — 1.\n* **Defeat** — 0.\n\n**If several teams** scored the same number of points, watch:\n1. **Results of face-to-face matches**\n2. **Difference of heads**\n3. **Number of goals scored**\n\n> \"Whoever scores the most is the champion. And the 4 best teams play in the Champions League.\"\n\n**Next** — in **Europa League and League of Conferences**. **Three teams from the bottom** - are eliminated. They are replaced by the winners of the second division.\n\n## Famous La Liga teams\n\nAmong the clubs that made **La Liga** one of the **most powerful football leagues in the world**, **Real Madrid** occupies a special place. This club is a true symbol of dominance, ambition and great history. He has more than **35 league titles** to his credit, and no other Spanish team has achieved this level of consistency and winning.\n\n**But not only** in the domestic championship, the \"**cream**\" gained fame - in the **Champions League** they are deservedly considered the **most successful team**, winning the tournament more times than anyone else.\n\n> \"It was thanks to the transfers of stars and high-profile lineups in the early 2000s that the term \"Galacticos\" arose - the designation of a team with top players.\"\n\n**An equally iconic club** for **La Liga** is **Barcelona**. The Catalans not only won more than **25 Spanish championships**, but also formed a **unique style of play** that became an example for many other teams.\n\n**A huge role** in this was played by their academy \"**La Masia**\". It was there that such legends of world football as **Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez** grew up.\n\n> \"Thanks to the combination of intelligent football, quick passing and teamwork, Barca has repeatedly become an example of how the beauty of the game can be combined with victories.\"\n\n**Atletico Madrid** is a separate story within the framework of Spanish football. The team, which always operated a little in the shadow of two giants, managed to create **its own identity**. Her character is **discipline, maximum dedication** and the counter-attacking game model embodied by head coach **Diego Simeone**.\n\n**It is thanks to** this philosophy that **Atletico** often changed the balance of forces in **La Liga**, breaking the usual duopoly of **Real** and **Barca**.\n\n**Another important participant** of the elite division is **Seville**. This club became a storm for opponents in the **European Cups**, especially in the **Europa League**, where it repeatedly became the winner. **Seville** is known for its **passionate support** - the fans in the home stadium create an incredible atmosphere.\n\n**Valencia**, although not always in the center of attention, left a bright mark in the history of **La Liga**. **The strongest period** for the club was the **2000s**, when the team not only won national titles, but also performed well in the European arena.\n\n## Statistics and La Liga records\n\n* **Messi** — **474 goals**, **50 in one season**, record holder for assists.\n* **Ronaldo** — **34 hat-tricks**, a legend for \"**Real**\".\n* **The biggest victory** — **12:1**, **1931**.\n* **Longest unbeaten streak** — **43 matches**, \"**Barcelona**\".\n* **Most matches** — **Andoni Subisarreta**, **622 games**.\n\n## The modern influence of La Liga\n\n* **Incomes from La Liga** help build stadiums, invest in young people, develop regions.\n* **Soccer** — **sport #1 in Spain**. And this is the merit of **La Liga**.\n* **Almost every famous player in Spain** is a pupil of the local academy.\n\n> \"La Liga continues to set the standard for world football, combining tradition with innovation.\"\n\n## La Liga is interesting\n\n* **Nicknames of the clubs:** \"**creamy**\" — **Real**, \"**blaugrana**\" — **Barca**.\n* **Barca's 5:0 win** in **2010** over **Real**.\n* In the **2024/25** season, **Barca** has already scored **113 goals**.\n\n> \"La Liga is not just a championship, it is a theater where every match can become a legend.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **La Liga** remains one of **the most prestigious championships in the world**, continuing to attract the best players and coaches on the planet. Will anyone be able to break the **hegemony of Real and Barca**? Time will tell, but the **magic of Spanish football** continues to captivate millions around the world.","active":true,"short_code":"ESP PL","category":1,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fb8b-d157-7414-9f68-2ad2cf57f1d3","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

La Liga statistics, history, meaning

La Liga is the main professional soccer league in Spain, its official name is Primera División. It stands on the first rung in the hierarchy of Spanish football. The best teams of the country compete here, such as \"Barcelona\", \"Real Madrid\", \"Atletico\" and other clubs that have long become part of the \"European football elite\".

But La Liga is not just a domestic championship. Her matches are broadcast in more than 180 countries and each tour attracts the attention of millions. With bright players, spectacular play and dramatic confrontations, La Liga football has long been more than a sport.

\n
\"It is a cultural phenomenon that unites a nation and attracts views from around the world.\"
\n

History of La Liga: creation and development

The beginning of the history of La Liga is 1929. Then the Spanish Federation decided: it was time to have a regular championship where the strongest clubs would compete every week.

In the first season there were only 10 contestants. Among them are \"Barcelona\", \"Real Madrid\", \"Athletic Bilbao\". And it was \"Barca\" that became the first champion. Thus began the path that later turned into one of the brightest football stories in Europe.

La Liga history

1930s — the number of teams is growing, the tournament is gradually gaining momentum.
After the Civil War - La Liga returns and the people's love for football grows even stronger.
1950s — star era of \"Real\" with Alfredo Di Stefano.
1980s — the championship becomes competitive, Spanish clubs are making a louder statement about themselves in Europe.
1990s–2000s — Messi, Ronaldo, Zidane, Ronaldinho… Each La Liga season is a separate chapter of football magic.
2010s — La Liga is the dominant force in European cups. Spanish teams win all matches.

\n
\"Today there are 20 teams in the league. And the champion of Spain is not just a title, but a real symbol of football superiority.\"
\n

Legendary players and clubs

La Liga was played by those who today are called icons:

Lionel Messi is the most goals in history.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a symbol of the era, one of the best in the world.
Iniesta, Xavi, Ronaldo, Zidane are players whose names are written in football textbooks.

Among the clubs:

Real Madrid is the undisputed leader in terms of titles.
Barcelona is the main rival, with a unique style of play.
Atletico is a team that has turned defense into an art.

Competition format La Liga football

20 teams play in the championship.
Each plays 38 matches — at home and away.
In total — 380 matches per season.

The system is simple and honest:

Victory — 3 points.
Tie — 1.
Defeat — 0.

If several teams scored the same number of points, watch:

Results of face-to-face matches
Difference of heads
Number of goals scored

\n
\"Whoever scores the most is the champion. And the 4 best teams play in the Champions League.\"
\n

Next — in Europa League and League of Conferences. Three teams from the bottom - are eliminated. They are replaced by the winners of the second division.

Famous La Liga teams

Among the clubs that made La Liga one of the most powerful football leagues in the world, Real Madrid occupies a special place. This club is a true symbol of dominance, ambition and great history. He has more than 35 league titles to his credit, and no other Spanish team has achieved this level of consistency and winning.

But not only in the domestic championship, the \"cream\" gained fame - in the Champions League they are deservedly considered the most successful team, winning the tournament more times than anyone else.

\n
\"It was thanks to the transfers of stars and high-profile lineups in the early 2000s that the term \"Galacticos\" arose - the designation of a team with top players.\"
\n

An equally iconic club for La Liga is Barcelona. The Catalans not only won more than 25 Spanish championships, but also formed a unique style of play that became an example for many other teams.

A huge role in this was played by their academy \"La Masia\". It was there that such legends of world football as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez grew up.

\n
\"Thanks to the combination of intelligent football, quick passing and teamwork, Barca has repeatedly become an example of how the beauty of the game can be combined with victories.\"
\n

Atletico Madrid is a separate story within the framework of Spanish football. The team, which always operated a little in the shadow of two giants, managed to create its own identity. Her character is discipline, maximum dedication and the counter-attacking game model embodied by head coach Diego Simeone.

It is thanks to this philosophy that Atletico often changed the balance of forces in La Liga, breaking the usual duopoly of Real and Barca.

Another important participant of the elite division is Seville. This club became a storm for opponents in the European Cups, especially in the Europa League, where it repeatedly became the winner. Seville is known for its passionate support - the fans in the home stadium create an incredible atmosphere.

Valencia, although not always in the center of attention, left a bright mark in the history of La Liga. The strongest period for the club was the 2000s, when the team not only won national titles, but also performed well in the European arena.

Statistics and La Liga records

Messi — 474 goals, 50 in one season, record holder for assists.
Ronaldo — 34 hat-tricks, a legend for \"Real\".
The biggest victory — 12:1, 1931.
Longest unbeaten streak — 43 matches, \"Barcelona\".
Most matches — Andoni Subisarreta, 622 games.

The modern influence of La Liga

Incomes from La Liga help build stadiums, invest in young people, develop regions.
Soccer — sport #1 in Spain. And this is the merit of La Liga.
Almost every famous player in Spain is a pupil of the local academy.

\n
\"La Liga continues to set the standard for world football, combining tradition with innovation.\"
\n

La Liga is interesting

Nicknames of the clubs: \"creamy\" — Real, \"blaugrana\" — Barca.
Barca's 5:0 win in 2010 over Real.
In the 2024/25 season, Barca has already scored 113 goals.

\n
\"La Liga is not just a championship, it is a theater where every match can become a legend.\"
\n

It is worth noting that La Liga remains one of the most prestigious championships in the world, continuing to attract the best players and coaches on the planet. Will anyone be able to break the hegemony of Real and Barca? Time will tell, but the magic of Spanish football continues to captivate millions around the world.

\n","has_description":true,"area":{"id":10850,"name":"Spain","country_code":"ESP","iso_code":"ES","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:01:27.352Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:39.170Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70d-26b5-7028-974f-d08ae0605e02","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Spain_ES_8487a90b5d.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}}}}

Oriol Rey: Profile