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The Guardian
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Rayo Vallecano celebrate banner night: ‘25 years later, Europe sees us again'
Rayo Vallecano's fans rolled out the banner at 10.46pm on the last Saturday of the season and rolled it away again a minute later. There had been a sneak glimpse of the message they hoped to stretch across the one end of a ground that is actually an end and not just a wall at risk of falling down, but it wasn't quite time for the big reveal. For now all they wanted was to pull 40 metres of fabric into place, huge white letters proudly painted on a red background, ready for when, if, it actually was. They certainly didn't intend to tempt fate; it wasn't done yet, history still not made and, God knows, if there is a place where anything can go wrong, where football and life isn't always kind but is always lived, it is here. There was though a brief look before the banner was hidden again behind the back row – something about years, Europe and us – and they were close now. There were 10 minutes plus added time left and the side from the Independent People's Republic of Vallekas, the last of the neighbourhood teams, not just in the barrio but of the barrio, were on the verge of qualifying for the Conference League. All they had to do was beat Real Mallorca and it turned out they wouldn't even have to do that: they had taken 28 shots without scoring but it still didn't matter because up in Vitoria, the team that could take the place from them hadn't scored either, Osasuna losing 1-0 to Alavés. Or so they thought until, with two minutes to go and Rayo having had time and a two-goal cushion on their side, Osasuna equalised. A final day that hadn't had much drama until then, Rayo briefly in a Europa League place and never out of a Conference League position, suddenly had some, fate now being decided on some far away field, everything on hold, no control over their own destiny. The final whistle went in Vallecas at 10.59pm with the score 0-0; 352km away, though, Osasuna and Alavés were still playing and Rayo knew a goal up there and it would be over. Osasuna would be going to Europe in their place, the impossible dream exactly that. Some Rayo players slipped to the floor exhausted, just sitting there, unable to do anything more now: their 38 games were gone, the final minutes of someone else's would decide what they had been worth. Pacha Espino held up a finger on each hand: 1-1. A huddle gathered around Dani Cardenas who had the game on his phone and was tapping at the screen to get it to move. In the stands, supporters desperately tried to get their mobiles to work; the more of them tried, the fewer of them succeeded. Some, the sensible ones, had old-school transistor radios on the go. Down on the pitch, Rayo's coach Iñigo Pérez sought refuge in club captain Óscar Trejo. 'That was my selfishness: he gives me a feeling of security,' Pérez said later. 'We knew Osasuna had equalised. In that moment, you start to think of that classic footballing scenario where the team that does everything, that creates chances, that pushes, that has to win doesn't. In those seconds your heart sinks, imagining that the blow is on its way.' Thirty seconds passed, 60, then 90, ever more convinced the cruelty was coming. Until two minutes later the final whistle at last went on Alavés-Osasuna, the huddle broke, fists in the air, and Vallecas exploded, Pérez and Trejo skipping off arms around each other, running in delirious circles. 'I'll probably look back on the footage and feel embarrassed, but I enjoyed it,' Pérez said; they all did. They were only 15 seconds into the invasion when goalkeeper Augusto Batalla had given his shorts away. Fans did knee slides, or just lay on the grass. They cut themselves chunks of turf, burnt off bits of the net to keep and swung from the crossbar. They held their players, hugged and cried. Kids went up on shoulders, twirling scarfs. 'They deserve this, we all do,' Trejo said. 'This is a club made to suffer, where happiness is rare; on days like this you would pay to be a footballer.' Someone tried to heave Isi Palazón on his back and ended in a heap; others had better luck. At 11.02pm, from the back of the stands, the banner was raised, a proper look this time: '25 years later, Europe sees us again.' It's more than a quarter of a century, which is why when the chant went round declaring 'Vallecas entera se va de borrachera' – the whole of Vallecas is going on the piss – no one could blame them. Rayo have only ever played in Europe once before, in the 2001 Uefa Cup, when they reached the quarter-finals having been handed a place thanks to the fair play table. The only time they had actually qualified, they were banned from taking the place because the club was in administration. Yes, they had looked like they might get close under Andoni Iraola. But now, the man who was supposed to be his assistant at Bournemouth, yet who the UK home office said could not make a contribution to English football, had led Rayo there for the first time ever. It is a monumental achievement, made all the better, worth celebrating, by how monumentally out of place it all feels, way beyond the fact that no team in the first division has a lower income. So out of place in fact that you genuinely wonder if they will be allowed to play European football at their place. 'I don't need to run through the difficulties we have here,' Pérez said. 'All you have to do is take a little walk around to see it.' A walk around the stadium where there's no stand at one end, the pitch instead overlooked by flats – a Fede Valverde shot literally flew into someone's living room – and where concrete crumbles, pipes are rusty, and water comes in through the roof. Where 'water' flows across toilet floors but not out of the taps. Rayo have never won anything, or even played a final. Three weeks ago, thieves broke in and took everything. Police are looking for a man with a carpet, etc and so on. Actually, thieves really did break in and police are looking for a man with 60 pairs of boots. The players refused to train in protest because it was the third time it has happened. Staff have to pay for much of their own material and gym equipment has been chewed on by pests. This is the only club with no online ticket sales and they're not very good at telling anyone when the actual ticket offices will open, either. In the buildup to this game, hundreds of fans queued overnight, sleeping in the street, just in case they opened the next day. They didn't. There may be no owner – no man at all – more despised by fans than Rayo's. 'Sometimes you think: 'Bloody hell, how are we where we are with what we have?'' left winger Álvaro García said, and that was before they had got here, to Europe. 'Rayo don't have the normal things that other grounds and other clubs have.' As one visiting manager put it on his way outone day, this is a place that needs 'disinfecting'. And yet this, that same manager says, is special, real, the connection authentic, different, like something from another time. At the end of Saturday's win, Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif said he had never experienced anything like it: 'Incredible: it is the dream of any player to have fans like this.' Real Betis 1-1 Valencia, Real Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad, Leganés 3-0 Real Valladolid, Espanyol 2-0 Las Palmas, Alavés 1-1 Osasuna, Getafe 1-2 Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Mallorca, Girona 0-4 Atlético Madrid, Villarreal 4-2 Sevilla, Athletic Club 0-2 Barcelona There is something about Vallecas, Madrid's self-consciously working class, left-wing neighbourhood, and the team that represents it. When new players arrive, supporters take them around and show them. There is always a risk of romanticising poverty, justifying failures as character and fans really would like some basic amenities. Players would too. Yet at Rayo in the place of the resources and facilities many clubs take as standard, goes pride and identity, a different feel about the dressing room, the whole place, something that brings it all back to the start, some of the trappings and traps of professionalism stripped away. Something that makes a European qualification feel so special, matter so much; something, perhaps, that makes it possible in the first place, changing mindsets and attitudes. 'We're a poor club, a humble one,' Pérez said. 'But that first day, the players laid aside their shirts with their names and numbers on and left themselves entirely naked, giving absolutely everything they have. In professional football where everyone has a name, where they are in a good position economically, it's very hard to achieve that. And yet there has not been a single day when they have not done so. Those weaknesses we have bring many strengths.' The biggest party they had ever seen was earned the hard way, everyone forced to wait just a little longer before they could say it: Rayo Vallecano – Rayo Vallecano! – were on their way into Europe. First though they were on their way round the neighbourhood, a big, blue, suitably battered looking bus making its way down Avenida Albufera to collect the them. 'That's the first I had heard of it, but I will follow,' Pérez said. 'After the game I hugged Batalla. He was crying. And he said: 'Mister, tonight you will come out, tonight you will celebrate', because he knows I never do. I said: well, tomorrow I've got to think about the Conference League. But today, I'm enjoying this. I promise you. My granddad used to say to me effort equals reward. That's not always true, but I'm happy that tonight it is.'
Metro
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Sporting star drops huge hint over Viktor Gyokeres' future amid Arsenal links
Sporting star Pedro Goncalves dropped a big hint that he and his team-mates expect Viktor Gyokeres to leave during the club's Primeira Liga title celebrations at the weekend. Gyokeres further established himself as one of the most sought-after attacking players in European football with his goalscoring exploits across a magnificent campaign in Portugal with Sporting. Sporting held off bitter rivals to win the league title for a 21st time in their history on Saturday and Gyokeres scored the second in his side's crucial 2-0 victory over Vitoria to take his tally for the top-flight season to 39 goals. But Sporting's hierarchy have grown increasingly resigned to losing their prized possession in the summer, with the Premier League's elite battling it out to sign the prolific Sweden international. Manchester United are determined to strengthen up front and Ruben Amorim has made it clear he would be keen to be reunited with his former Sporting player at Old Trafford next season. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Stamford Bridge has been mooted as another potential destination for Gyokeres as Chelsea search for a proven goalscorer to ease the pressure on Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. But Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to wrap up a deal and have been told that Gyokeres is 'all theirs' if they stump up the £60million required when the transfer window opens for business. 'I just want to tell you all something… they said we were never going to be champions without fans [during Covid], they said we were never going to be two-time champions without [Ruben] Amorim, they said we were never going to win the league without [Hugo] Viana,' Sporting midfielder Goncalves said during the side's open-top bus parade. 'They say we won't be three-time champions without Viktor [Gyokeres]. 'And now, what I want to say is that we'll see.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Gyokeres himself refused to be drawn on the incessant speculation over his future during the parade, stressing that he was instead focussed on 'celebrating together' with the rest of Sporting's squad. 'It's football, I'm still here. I don't know what's going to happen,' the forward told Portuguese outlet Sport TV when quizzed on his next steps. 'Nobody can predict the future. I'm very happy, it was a game that went well for us. Very happy to score and win. 'It's what we wanted. Incredible. We can see the support we've had. So many people in the streets, not just today, but even when it's raining in November and December. More Trending 'It's incredible when there are so many people. Now we want to celebrate together.' Gyokeres, who turns 27 in a months' time, is tied into a contract in Lisbon until June 2028. The striker played for Brighton and Swansea before completing a 2021 move to Coventry City, which is where he really made a name for himself with two eye-catching seasons in the Championship. Sporting are in line to make a tidy profit should they cash in on Gyokeres considering they signed the Swede from Coventry for a fee of just £16.7m two years ago. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal to sign Chelsea flop ahead of Liverpool and Man Utd MORE: Arsenal suffer latest defensive injury blow as star player set to undergo surgery MORE: Arsenal and Liverpool given green light to sign £85m transfer target
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sporting draws at Benfica and the Portuguese league will be decided in the final round
Benfica's mascot eagle Vitoria flies at the Luz stadium prior to a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Sporting's Francisco Trincao celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis encourages fans for their support during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Benfica's Angel Di Maria protests to referee Joao Pinheiro during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Sporting's Francisco Trincao, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Sporting's Francisco Trincao, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Benfica's mascot eagle Vitoria flies at the Luz stadium prior to a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Sporting's Francisco Trincao celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis encourages fans for their support during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Benfica's Angel Di Maria protests to referee Joao Pinheiro during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Sporting's Francisco Trincao, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The Portuguese league will be decided in the final round with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica level on points after the crosstown rivals drew 1-1 in a potentially decisive derby on Saturday. Sporting could have clinched the title with a victory at Benfica, while the host could have also been proclaimed champion with a victory by two goals. Advertisement The stalemate means Sporting, which holds the head-to-head goal advantage thanks to a 1-0 win earlier this season, only needs to match Benfica's result next weekend. Benfica must win and hope Sporting doesn't. Sporting struck first when Francisco Trincão scored four minutes in. The forward was set up on the edge of the area by Viktor Gyökeres. Muhammed Aktürkoğlu leveled in the 63rd for Benfica. Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis dribbled past five defenders inside the area before assisting his teammate to knock in the equalizer. Sporting host Guimaraes in the final round next weekend, while Benfica is at Braga. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Julian Alvarez hit with La Liga suspension despite VAR intervention
Atletico Madrid continue to stutter over the finishing line in the 2024/25 La Liga season after a 0-0 draw at Alaves. A draw on the road in the Basque Country means Diego Simeone's side have now won just one of their last three league outings. Advertisement They need another victory in their final four games to mathematically confirm a UEFA Champions League qualification spot and plan ahead. Simeone's charges should hold off Athletic Club to clinch third spot but they but they have now won just one of their last six away La Liga matches. However, things could have worse for Simeone in the scorching heat of Vitoria, as Julian Alvarez was sent off just before half time. The Argentina international was shown a straight red card by match referee Juan Martínez Munuera following a late challenge on Facundo Garces. Image via AFP / Bernat Armangue The decision was quickly downgraded following a VAR review, with Alvarez handed just a yellow card, on a day of frustration for Simeone. Advertisement Alvarez is enjoying a superb first season in Madrid, as the club's leading goal scorer in La Liga and in all competitions, with 15 and 12 scored respectively. However, the 27-goal striker will now miss the incoming home clash with Real Sociedad on May 10 despite his dismissal being overturned. A fifth yellow card of the season incurs an automatic one-match La Liga ban, and the 25-year-old will sit out against La Real, with Alexander Sorloth set to replace him in Simeone's attack. Alvarez has already set a new personal benchmark, with 2024/25 his best-ever club season for goals scored. He scored 24 goals in the 2021 campaign at River Plate, and the 20 league goal mark from that campaign is still within his sights in the final games of 2024/25. His last three games of the season include trips to Osasuna and Girona either side of a final home appearance of 2024/25 against Real Betis on May 18.
