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Rayo Vallecano's long-awaited return to Estadio de Vallecas descended into chaos as the club faced vandalism, fierce protests and an attempted invasion of the VIP box.
What was supposed to be a celebration of the stadium's reopening instead highlighted the deepening divisions between the club, supporters and local authorities.
Estadio de Vallecas vandalised on Rayo Vallecano return
Rayo's return to Vallecas came after 140 days away, but supporters were greeted by a stadium that appeared to have changed little since its closure.
The problems began before the Trofeo de Vallecas match against Cagliari, with a group breaking into the stadium and covering the stands with graffiti reading “Presa vete ya” – “Presa, go home”. Inside, dirty seats, toilets without running water and unfinished press areas added to the frustration.
Only 4,462 fans attended despite 14,000 places being available, with many gathering near the VIP box to protest against president Martin Presa.
Whistles and anti-board chants continued throughout the match, alongside banners calling for a change at the club.
The situation escalated when members of the Bukaneros ultras group attempted to reach the VIP box.
According to Rayo, supporters struck the doors before trying to enter through the main entrance, forcing private security to intervene. Those involved were eventually escorted out.
Rayo condemned the incidents, while Madrid City Council also criticised the vandalism.
On the pitch, Rayo drew 1-1 with Cagliari before losing 6-5 on penalties, with Presa eventually presenting the trophy to the Italian side.
FGG says: Rayo's Vallecas return shows how deep the crisis has become
A stadium reopening should have been an opportunity for Rayo to reconnect with its supporters, but this instead exposed just how fractured the relationship has become.
The vandalism and attempted access to the VIP box are clearly unacceptable, but the underlying frustration is difficult to ignore when supporters returned after 140 days to find many of the issues they had complained about seemingly unresolved.
For Rayo, getting Vallecas fully operational is only part of the challenge now. Rebuilding trust with supporters and finding a way through the increasingly bitter dispute with the board and local authorities may prove just as important.