The upcoming Madrid derby between Rayo Vallecano and Atlético Madrid has been relocated due to concerns over the pitch condition at Vallecas. LaLiga determined that the playing surface is unsafe, prompting the match to be moved to Estadio Ontime Butarque, home of CD Leganés, on February 15, 2026. This decision has stirred controversy and raised questions regarding Rayo Vallecano’s responsibility for the venue’s maintenance.
Following meticulous inspections by LaLiga officials and independent experts, the pitch at Vallecas was deemed unfit for play, raising safety concerns for players and referees alike. Despite Rayo Vallecano’s efforts to rectify the situation, the pitch failed to meet the necessary standards, resulting in the second consecutive home match being played away from their own venue. Just a week earlier, a match against Real Oviedo was similarly canceled hours before kickoff due to the same issue, leading Real Oviedo to seek a walkover victory.
The option to host the derby at Atlético Madrid’s home ground, the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano, was also considered but ultimately dismissed to avoid perceived favoritism towards the home side, who would then play both legs of the derby on their own turf. Ultimately, the agreement to move the match to Butarque was reached with the consensus of all participating clubs and officials, ensuring fairness in scheduling.
LaLiga expressed regret over the disruption caused by the venue change, highlighting the importance of fans who are integral to the sport. The league acknowledged Rayo Vallecano’s attempts to resolve the pitch issues amid challenging weather conditions, emphasizing appreciation for their commitment.
Additionally, given that the Madrid derby is classified as a high-risk event by the State Commission for Violence in Sport, enhanced security measures will be in place to ensure the safety of fans. These measures will cover ticketing systems, fan placement, and stricter access control to the stadium while also increasing oversight by security personnel.
In light of these challenges, both teams and their supporters remain hopeful for an exciting encounter as they adapt to these circumstances.