Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Sunday, January 11, 2026 20:49 / Updated Sunday, January 11, 2026 21:14
Andrei Rațiu, the Romanian defender of Rayo Vallecano, left the field injured in the 38th minute of his team's victory over Mallorca, score 2-1. The Spanish daily Marca announced that he would be absent for at least a week.
The Romanian right back complained of muscle problems and was replaced by Ivan Balliu. It seems that these problems are not serious, from the information collected by Marca. The Spaniards also mentioned that he asked for the change.
Andrei Rațiu, OUT at least a week after the injury in Rayo Vallecano – Mallorca
“Ivan Balliu returned from his hamstring injury and successfully replaced Andrei Rațiu, who was injured after half an hour in the match against Mallorca.
The Romanian international will miss at least Rayo Vallecano's games next week: Wednesday against Alaves in the Copa del Rey and Sunday against Celta Vigo. Both matches are away,” noted the Spanish journalists from Marca.
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Andrei Rațiu is a key player in the Madrid team. This season, the Romanian left back has collected 26 matches in all competitions, one goal and one assist. It is quoted by specialized websites at 18 million euros.
The state of the lawn, the potential cause of Rațiu's injury? The Rayo coach, vehement after the victory with Mallorca
Inigo Perez, the coach of Rayo Vallecano, did not comment on Andrei Rațiu's injury after the game, but he was very nervous because of the way his own playing field is presented. Andrei Rațiu was not injured following contact, so the state of the field could be a reason for his premature exit from the field.
“I want the players to be able to develop and maintain their level. I'm upset because we have a pitch that's not worthy of the first league. We won today but sooner or later we won't be able to keep up.
The lawn is unacceptable. I'm not complaining about the team or the transfers because the work is excellent. The quality of the players is obvious, but the condition of the pitch is fundamental. I am ashamed that we have this land. It's everyone's fault and we have to keep the pitch in good condition. It's not an attack, I'm just telling the truth,” Inigo Perez said, according to the Spanish.
