The Pride of Vallekas

Sevilla Atlético vs Rayo Vallecano. Starting lineups. Míchel made two changes, both in defense, from the previous league game - a 3-0 loss to Osasuna - with Ernesto Galán and Antonio Amaya being replaced by Baiano and Emiliano Velázquez respectively. Luis Tevenet also made two changes from their goalless draw at Huesca - Álex Pozo coming on for Miguel Olavide in attacking midfield. Surprisingly, there was a change between the sticks, with Juan Soriano taking the place of José Antonio Caro. This was a game where Sevilla Atlético was clearly the better team, but didn't take their chances. Other than that, this was a game that both sides probably would want to forget - Rayo had zero shots on target and Sevilla Atlético had just 3. Team structures Sevilla Atlético may not have made many changes in personnel, but they did make a crucial player position change. Álex Pozo took the place of central attacking midfielder Miguel Olavide, meaning that Curro, a right winger, was pl...

More than three weeks ago, I did a piece on my thoughts on Rayo's current squad , and I spoke about the dire need for reinforcements. Well, now that the transfer window has concluded, here is what I said then, compared to my thoughts now... Goalkeepers Then : Alberto García (loan), Toño Adequate? Not sure, given Toño's injury problems, but Lucho from Rayo B seems like optimal backup if truly necessary. Now: Alberto García (loan), Toño, Mario Fernández Seems like Toño is still not ready for action - which means perhaps a signing was probably necessary. Mario Fernández from Osasuna will be a decent backup. Center-backs Then: Antonio Amaya, Zé Castro, José Antonio Dorado Definitely understaffed here - one more center-back might be needed, even if Kike from the B team did well in preseason. Now: Antonio Amaya, José Antonio Dorado, Emiliano Velázquez (loan), Abdoulaye Ba, Nacho Monsalve (loaned to Recreativo) So apparently Zé Castro wasn't even p...