Article by Maria Olteanu – Published on Sunday, 24 May 2026, 08:08 / Updated on Sunday, 24 May 2026 08:08
Rayo Vallecano, the team where the Romanian international Andrei Rațiu (27 years old) plays, narrowly missed out on participating in the upcoming season in Europe, after finishing the season in 8th place in La Liga, with 50 points, one less than Getafe, who will go to the Conference League.
Spain's top five, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, have secured tickets for the Champions League, while Celta Vigo, Ionuț Radu's team, along with Real Sociedad, the winner of the Spanish Cup, will go to the Europa League. Getafe received the last ticket, for the Conference League, but Rațiu's team, the first under the line, still has a chance.
Rayo Vallecano, 8th at the end of the La Liga season, could go up to the Europa League if they triumph in the Conference final in Leipzig, where they will meet Crystal Palace on Wednesday, May 27, from 22:00.
Andrei Rațiu, coached in the last stage of La Liga
Despite the absence of most of the starters, Rayo Vallecano beat Alaves 2-1 away on Sunday night to finish the season in 8th place in La Liga.
Rayo coach Inigo Perez has naturally decided to play around with his key players for the Conference League final. Isi Palazon was not included in the squad due to a suspension, and Andrei Rațiu, Augusto Batalla, Alemão, Florian Lejeune and several other starters remained on the bench.
As for the Romanian player, called by Gheorghe Hagi to the national team for the action in June, he entered the 87th minute of the game for the last parts of the game.
In the first half, Alaves dominated and deservedly took the lead with a goal scored by Toni Martínez in the 12th minute. The team's forward scored from close range after a low cross from the right flank and an uncertain intervention by Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Daniel Cardenas.
Rayo came back into the match in the second half of the game, turning the score around near the end. Sergio Camello (72) and Randy Nteka (89) signed the victory for the visitors.
La Liga standings at the end of the season
