Rayo Vallecano returns home after Europa Conference League final
Rayo Vallecano players and fans have begun to process their historic European campaign following the final defeat in Leipzig.
Фото: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Автор: Giovanni Batista Rodriguez
After the final whistle from Maurizio Mariani in Leipzig, the pain of defeat was evident among the Rayo Vallecano squad. Having reached the Europa Conference League final, falling at the last hurdle left the players visibly devastated. However, during the return flight, that pain began to give way to a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
Upon arrival at Barajas airport, the expedition was met by dozens of supportive fans. Manager Inigo Perez received a particularly warm reception, with supporters chanting his name as the team arrived. Players like Isi and Camello were seen wearing their medals, visibly proud of the journey they had shared with the club.
The season's quality was recognized with three Rayo players—Isi, Lejeune, and Ratiu—named in the tournament's team of the season. Only the winners, Crystal Palace, had more representatives, with their star forward also finishing as the tournament's top scorer.
Within the club, there is a growing conviction that this experience will serve as a foundation for future success. The belief remains that this first final will not be the last, and that the progress made this season signals a bright future for the team on the European stage.