Rayo optimistic about new turf as Vallecas races to be ready for Atlético clash
Vallecano officials working 'non-stop' on £340k pitch replacement with LaLiga supervisor to make final call on whether Sunday's Madrid derby goes ahead.
Rayo Vallecano are in a proper race against the clock to get their Vallecas pitch shipshape for Sunday’s Madrid derby against Atlético, with club brass feeling cautiously optimistic despite the weather doing them no favours.
Round-the-clock operation
The Vallecas outfit are “working non-stop” to ensure the stadium can host the match after recent pitch problems forced the postponement of their clash with Oviedo. Club president Raúl Martín Presa is personally overseeing the operation, which includes:
- A LaLiga supervisor who’ll make the final decision on whether the game can proceed
- Three agricultural engineers directing a team of 30 workers
- New turf imported from outside Spain at considerable expense
- Continuous monitoring of how the newly-laid grass is taking root
Weather woes continue
The biggest spanner in the works remains the persistent rainfall in Madrid, with forecasts suggesting more of the same over the coming days. This could seriously hamper efforts despite the initial positive signs from the newly-laid turf.
Not cheap, this grass business
The new playing surface hasn’t come cheap for the Franjirrojos. The turf itself set them back a cool €300,000 (about £255,000), with the total operation costing over €400,000 (roughly £340,000) when you factor in all the Adam and Eve (believe).
Critical 48 hours ahead
The next two days will be decisive in determining whether Vallecas can host the match. While there’s growing confidence within the club, everything ultimately hinges on the LaLiga supervisor’s assessment.
Meanwhile, Rayo are still waiting for LaLiga to announce when their postponed match against Oviedo will be rescheduled, adding another fixture headache for Iñigo Pérez’s squad.