Thursday’s La Liga fixture between Rayo Vallecano and Deportivo Alavés is set to go ahead, but not without controversy. The match was originally scheduled at Estadio de Vallecas. However, Rayo’s right to use the stadium has been suspended, forcing the club to consider alternative venues. Supporters, in response, have announced a boycott.
The Federación de Peñas Rayo Vallecano and Plataforma ADRV issued a joint statement declaring they will not attend any matches played away from Vallecas. That includes the upcoming game against Alavés at Butarque in Leganés, as well as any future fixtures if the club remains unable to use its home ground. El Plantío in Burgos has also been mentioned as a potential host.
Fans are demanding a proportional refund on season tickets. Their argument is simple: moving a match to a different stadium changes the terms of the agreement made at purchase. They also criticize the club for a lack of transparency over the number of games that will be affected and the measures planned if access to Vallecas remains unavailable.
The supporters point to an audit commissioned by the Comunidad de Madrid, holding the club responsible for the current situation. They describe the dispute as another element of the institutional crisis that has plagued Rayo Vallecano for some time. The boycott is both a protest against management and a defense of season-ticket holders’ rights.
On the pitch, both sides had contrasting openings. Rayo lost 2-1 at Sevilla despite taking an early lead through Álvaro García Rivero. Two penalty kicks, one from Jon Guridi and another from Gerard Fernández, turned the game around for the hosts. Deportivo Alavés, meanwhile, cruised to a 3-0 win over Getafe, with goals from Nahuel Tenaglia, Mariano Díaz, and Mikel Rodríguez.
The match is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at 2:55 p.m. ET. ESPN Deportes will broadcast the action, and Fubo will offer a live stream, though regional restrictions may apply. One thing seems certain though: the stands at whatever venue hosts the game could be remarkably empty.
