Rayo Vallecano Wiki

Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, S.A.D. is based in the Madrid neighborhood of Vallecas. They are often referred to as "Rayo". Founded in 1924, they are a La Liga team whose home ground is the 15,500 seat Estadio Teresa Rivero.

The club spent the last two decades of the 20th century swinging back and fourth between first and second divisions but got promoted in 1998-99 to top flight status. In 2000-01 they achieved the UEFA Cup quarterfinals only to lose to Deportivo Alaves. In 2002-03 they went back to second division and the club eventually hired legendary manager Michel. They finished their 2006-07 season in the second place of the third tier and next season returned to second division. In 2010-11 they again returned to top flight after an absence of 8 years, finishing in second position. Rayo has had 13 seasons in La Liga, 34 in Segunda Division, 5 seasons in Segunda Division B and 11 seasons in Tercera Division.

Rayo has many supporters in Spain and abroad. Ska-P, the Spanish anti-facist band, are strong supporters of both Rayo and the Vallecas neighborhood. They have dedicated two of their songs to the club, Como un Rayo and Rayo Vallencano.

The team's colors are white shirts with a red sash and white shorts and socks. Away colors replace the white with black. Jose Ramon Sandoval has managed the team since the 2010-11 season.