This City is Ours: A Rayo Vallecano Story

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oneteaminglasgow

14 years ago

10 years ago

10 Dec 2012 03:42:46

Madrid. The very mention of the city conjures up images of incredible football, and incredible sporting success. Most will think of Real Madrid, the most successful club in the city, and the most successful club ever in European competitions, boasting a massive 32 La Liga Titles, 18 Copa Del Rey’s, 8 Supercopa del Espana’s, 2 Cup Winners Cup titles, 3 Intercontinental Cups, a European Super Cup and, the crowning jewel on Real’s Trophy cabinet, 9 Champions League Wins, The most of any club.

Perhaps, less will think of Atletico, the cities second team, who have also enjoyed their share of success, although their heyday in Spanish football has largely gone, they boast 9 La Liga Titles, 9 Copa Del Rey Titles, A Solitary Supercopa, and 3 Europa League/Cup winners Cup titles, including last seasons. The Rivalry between these two teams is legendary and fierce.

But what of Madrid’s third team, Rayo Vallecano. While the other teams in Madrid have been enjoying success, Rayo have had other fortunes. Rayo have spent just 14 years of their existence in the top flight of Spanish football. They have even spent seasons in the fourth tier of Spanish football. Their highest honour to date was winning the Third tier, a feat they have managed first in 1985, and for the final time as recently in 2008. Last season, they finished 15th in La Liga, after achieving promotion the season before as runners up of the Segunda Division.

This is where Enrique Vuelta comes in. The lifelong Rayo fan has merely a Sunday league background in football, but he is the man who has been tasked by Chairman Raúl Martín Presa to turn Rayo into Madrid’s premier team. The journey won’t be easy, But Vuelta is sure he is up to the job. All he needs is time.

Rayo Vallecano. The Last of the barrio teams. Madrid’s number three. Los Franjirrojos.

Rayo Vallecano. Your time has come.