The 2025/2026 La Liga season marks a pivotal phase in Spanish football, shaped not only by strict economic control regulations and Financial Fair Play policies, but also by their growing influence on the league’s on-pitch product. While these financial frameworks were introduced to safeguard long-term sustainability and curb excessive spending,...
Real Madrid failed to secure a win against Rayo Vallecano in Gameweek 12 of the 2025/2026 La Liga season. Rayo Vallecano ended Real Madrid’s four-game winning streak by holding them to a goalless draw at Estadio de Vallecas. Los Blancos entered the game with a clear objective: to take all...
Defending crosses is one of the most detailed tactical analysis topics, with numerous differences between different teams and coaches' ideas. The details of defending crosses begin with each defender's ability to either mark an attacker or cover a specific space. It differs from defending with either four or five defenders due to the...
After analysing Rayo Vallecano's philosophy (part one), today we dive deep into Jorge Vallejo's tactics that Rayo Vallecano B uses in Tercera RFEF. Considering Rayo Vallecano B is the most positional team in the tournament, we will focus on in-possession awareness and the squad's remarkable players. We recently had the privilege of interviewing Jorge Vallejo about...
Rayo Vallecano “B” sit in the playoffs zone in Tercera RFEF, Group 7. The team from Vallecas chase RSD Alcalá and show a unique style of play, including long passing circuits from the backline, false wingers, and offensive full-backs. This enjoyable approach requires time, trust, and proof to get the...
As evident from the country’s UEFA EURO 2024 victory, Spain possesses a lot of footballing talent. In the Tercera Federación, the fifth tier of Spanish football, youth categories from prominent La Liga clubs like Rayo Vallecano, CD Leganés, and Atlético Madrid compete, showcasing the development talent of these top-flight teams....
As evident from the country’s UEFA EURO 2024 victory, Spain possesses a lot of footballing talent. In the Tercera Federación, the fifth tier of Spanish football, youth categories from prominent La Liga clubs like Rayo Vallecano, CD Leganés, and Atlético Madrid compete, showcasing the development talent of these top-flight teams....
This summer window has seen La Liga clubs spend big on transfers, including Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid and Dani Olmo to Barcelona. A trend that is increasingly prevalent across all European clubs — especially the top five leagues — has seen clubs spend big on players aged 23 or...
Four years ago, Rayo Vallecano finished bottom of La Liga, with the side only managing to accumulate 32 points in 38 games. Two years later, the side would fight their way back into La Liga under Andoni Iraola, who would go on to guide the side to successive mid-table finishes. ...
In 2015, Andoni Iraola decided to leave Athletic Club Bilbao after a 15-year stay. Commonly a right back, he was an outstanding player for his dedication, maturity, effort in each match, and passion for his shirt. Under the guidance of various coaches, including Marcelo Bielsa and Ernesto Valverde, Iraola decided to become a manager in the...
It is no secret that Barcelona have had their issues off the pitch in recent years – many of those troubles remain to this day. Financial issues, deferred wages, uncertainty around registering new signings – the list goes on. It is incredibly sad to see this happen to one of...
Saturday night saw Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano in the opening round of La Liga matches. We've broken down all the key stats for you to digest in this tactical analysis and provide insights around; * shot maps * pass flow * heatmaps * defensive actions * average positions and much more!...
Rayo Vallecano finished their first season back in La Liga in a very respectable 12th position. Their exciting debut campaign back in the top division raised eyebrows with notable performances against the country's big two. Los Franjirrojos ran Real Madrid close at home and away and completed the double over Barcelona, under Ronald Koeman and...
After beating West Ham United, Sevilla travelled to Madrid as Rayo Vallecano awaited. Before the game, Andoni Iraola’s side had not won in the last eight La Liga games and they were still looking for the first league win in 2022. However, things did not go easily for the guests,...
