Poor pitch condition sees Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid game switch venue to Leganes

MADRID, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Rayo Vallecano's home game against Atletico Madrid scheduled for this Sunday will be played in nearby Leganes' Butarque Stadium after La Liga considered the pitch at Rayo's Vallecas stadium isn't in a fit state to host the match.

The news comes less than a week after Rayo's home game against Oviedo was postponed due to the poor condition of the pitch after Rayo's ground staff had planted replacement turf before the game, which failed to take root because of insufficient time and continued heavy rain in Madrid.

"Despite the intensive work carried out by Rayo Vallecano at the Vallecas Stadium during the past week under the constant monitoring and coordination of La Liga, reports confirm that the pitch still does not meet the necessary guarantees for holding the match safely, ensuring the well-being of all players and referees, with the consequent risk of injuries. Therefore, the match will finally be held at CD Leganes' stadium, with the approval of all the clubs and institutions involved," La Liga said in a statement.

Rayo responded with a statement, expressing its unhappiness with the decision, saying, "the club wishes to express its absolute disagreement with the decision, [...] this is a measure that generates enormous social, sporting and economic damage to Rayo Vallecano."

Rayo is currently in 18th place in La Liga and in clear danger of relegation and losing home advantage is a blow to its survival chances. ■