The Estadio de Vallecas has become a fortress for Andoni Iraola and his squad when they face the top teams of LaLiga Santander. Iraola’s Rayo Vallecano side now have 43 points, meaning they’re just four points away from a European qualification berth. Rayo Vallecano have so many points because they’ve managed to defeat FC Barcelona (2-1) and Real Madrid (3-2) at their home stadium, the first time they have conquered both those sides since the 1977/78 campaign.
Since he became Rayo Vallecano coach, Iraola has faced FC Barcelona four times and the Basque tactician remains undefeated against Los Blaugrana. Of these four meetings, Iraola has won on three occasions and drawn once too. Rayo Vallecano are, along with Bayern Munich, the team that Xavi has faced the most times as coach without managing to win.
For the second season in a row, Rayo Vallecano are putting together an excellent campaign under Iraola, who has once again managed to inspire the fanbase and make the dream of playing in European competition seem realistic. There are seven LaLiga Santander matchdays left, so 21 points are up for grabs, and the chances of Rayo Vallecano finishing in one of the six European berths are real. As the business end of the season arrives, the fans are asking: Can Rayo Vallecano secure a return to European football 23 years later?
