The Rayo Vallecano Chronicle
Squad12 Oct 2026
A falling-out at Rayo Vallecano
Raúl De Tomás and a teammate went at it, and not about football. Training grounds are small places and a long season makes them smaller.
Market12 Oct 2026
Randy Nteka is free to find somewhere else
“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at Rayo Vallecano has been clear about where Randy Nteka stands, which is more than many ever get.
The dugout12 Oct 2026
The manager makes an example of Gerard Gumbau
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Market12 Oct 2026
The Jorge De Frutos story refuses to die
It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Jorge De Frutos signs something — a contract at Rayo Vallecano or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.
Looking ahead12 Oct 2026
A reunion for Unai López
He used to wear the other shirt. On Saturday he plays against Real Sociedad in this one, and whatever he says this week about it being just another game will be untrue.
The dugout12 Oct 2026
Mujaid Sadick knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Rayo Vallecano, and both men came out saying it was fine.
The dugout12 Oct 2026
A door opens for Iván Balliu
He asked about his future and was given an answer with minutes in it. The manager has now made a promise in a building where promises are remembered, and the clock on it has started.
Squad12 Oct 2026
Marash Kumbulla has settled at Rayo Vallecano
The shrug has gone, the language is coming, and he now argues in training like somebody who expects to be here next year. Half a signing's value is this and none of it appears on a fee.
Looking ahead12 Oct 2026
Rayo Vallecano travel to Real Sociedad
Next up on the road: Real Sociedad, position 10. The supporters who go will talk about it all week and the ones who do not will check their phones at ten to five.
In brief
- The dugout The manager comes out for Jorge De Frutos
- Squad The selectors could not leave Augusto Batalla out
- Loan watch Luiz Felipe first choice at Andorra