Rayo's Iñigo Pérez Riding the Conference Wave into Elche Clash
Rayo Vallecano manager Iñigo Pérez hopes to channel the momentum from their historic European advancement as they face high-flying Elche in La Liga.
Rayo Boss Banking on European Buzz to Spark League Form
Rayo Vallecano gaffer Iñigo Pérez is looking to bottle up the euphoria from their European heroics and unleash it against Elche this weekend, as his side attempts to translate continental success into precious La Liga points.
Just 48 hours after securing direct passage to the Conference League Round of 16 with a victory over Kosovo’s Drita - a result Pérez described as “historic” - the Madrid outfit now turns their attention to an in-form Elche side that’s been one of the season’s surprise packages.
Conference Confidence Boost
Rather than viewing their European commitments as a burden, Pérez believes their midweek triumph could provide the perfect tonic for their domestic struggles:
“When you play matches in quick succession, the advantage is that winning breeds enthusiasm that carries into the next fixture,” Pérez explained at his pre-match presser.
The timing couldn’t be better for a confidence injection, with Rayo currently hovering precariously on 18 points and desperate to create some breathing space from the relegation zone.
Goal Drought Concerns
Despite creating chances aplenty, Rayo’s finishing touch has deserted them in La Liga - netting just once in their last six league outings. Pérez, however, rejects the notion that his team is experiencing a psychological block:
“I wouldn’t call it a block. It’s more about precision, having composure and patience in the final phase,” he insisted. “Statistics suggest we should have scored ten more goals than we actually have, which matches my impression - we create many opportunities but don’t convert them.”
Curiously, this finishing problem hasn’t plagued them in Europe, though Pérez admits he “has no explanation why we score in Europe but not in La Liga.”
Sarabia Reunion
The match represents something of a reunion for Pérez, who completed his coaching badges alongside Elche boss Eder Sarabia “a ton of years ago” when he was still playing for Athletic Bilbao’s reserves.
Pérez speaks highly of his counterpart’s tactical acumen: “Elche is a faithful reflection of who he is as a person and coach. They have different ways of playing out from the back, they adapt to opponents in defense and attack, and show intelligence in their analysis.”
Looking Forward
With Rayo still alive in three competitions, Pérez acknowledges the physical and mental demands of Thursday-Sunday schedules but remains focused on the task at hand. When asked about his wishlist for 2026, he kept it simple - squad availability for what promises to be a crucial end to the season.
For now, though, all eyes are on Elche and those three points that could be proper Bobby Moore for Rayo’s season.