Rayo Vallecano - The Anti Galacticos of Madrid
A club who just survived relegation, although by a relatively comfortable margin, not the mightiest of financial muscles for a La Liga club, losing their best players and coaches to big teams are not a sign of a big team. But thriving in spite of this is a sign of champions mentality and that precisely what this club is, welcome to Rayo Vallecano.

Now what if I tell you as recently as in the span of two years they have had a former Colombian legend, a current premier league gaffer and has kits as classy as the ones of their in town counterparts. They have reached the Quarter Final of an UEFA competition despite never winning the league even once. They have a local history and significance to their community as rich as both Real and Atletico have had. You would not believe it but they are the third most successful club within Madrid community that is also Rayo Vallecano.
Unlike supporting both of the globally recognized Madrid clubs where trophies are seen almost as a right. Many fans are often labelled as glory hunters, the thrill of supporting Rayo Vallecano is something that would make one explore all shade of football and that to in depth 4K UHD. Something which can be taken for granted when one is numbed to winning everything in sight as regularly as the two Madrid clubs do.
Rayo being a club deeply rooted in community may not have global giants backing them financially but are at least holding up the part of sport that the Romantics of the game want to hold onto. They are also at the same time progressing as is proved by their new stadium project underway which when completed would rival both the Santiago Bernabeu and Wanda Metropolitano without giving up their identity to be a global product. Though I am sure Rayo Vallecano would surely love some silverware themselves.
They are in no way to enforce the Galacticos policy like Real or splash huge money on European stars as both clubs have splashed on Portuguese stars in the last decade or so. However, their squad mainly consisting of local talents, many of whom have worked their way up the divisions coupled with the relatively affordable prices make Rayo Vallecano relatable to the average joe and an underdog to root for.
Last but not the least, Rayo Vallecano was undefeated against Real Madrid last season. Though they would be looking to kick on after the scare of last season and as a neutral should be a team one should follow considering they are one of the more progressive and experimental teams whom you never know what they are capable of. Football is a game of glorious uncertainties and in that way, Rayo Vallecano in their past, present yo-yoing through divisions are truly glorious.
Cover Credits - ESPN
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