Struggling Rayo Vallecano stuns Atlético Madrid 3-0 in fan boycott

The match was witnessed by just 5,000 people due to a protest by Rayo Vallecano fans.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The struggling Rayo Vallecano team surprisingly defeated Atlético Madrid 3-0 on Sunday in a match that was attended by only around 5,000 people due to a protest by Rayo Vallecano fans.

Why it matters

Rayo Vallecano is a small club that has faced financial difficulties, while Atlético Madrid is one of the top teams in Spain's La Liga. The fan boycott highlights the ongoing tensions between the club and its supporters.

The details

In the match, Rayo Vallecano, which has been dealing with financial troubles, managed to defeat the much stronger Atlético Madrid team by a score of 3-0. However, the match was played in front of a sparse crowd of only around 5,000 people due to a protest organized by Rayo Vallecano's fans.

  • The match took place on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Rayo Vallecano

A small Spanish football club that has faced financial difficulties in recent years.

Atlético Madrid

One of the top teams in Spain's La Liga, known for its strong performance on the field.

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The takeaway

This unexpected victory by the struggling Rayo Vallecano team over the powerhouse Atlético Madrid, despite the fan boycott, underscores the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of fan support for a club's success.