Sergio Camello: ‘Rayo is the last team standing – it’s football from another time’

According to The Guardian, forward Sergio Camello describes Rayo Vallecano as “the last team standing” and a club that feels like “football from another time”. The 24‑year‑old, who is currently the second‑highest scorer across Europe’s five major leagues, talks about the significance of the team’s home ground in Vallecas and the cultural heartbeat that surrounds it.

Camello, a self‑described movie aficionado with 156 films reviewed, part‑time photographer and occasional drummer, says the stadium’s closure has been more than a logistical problem. With the Madrid council deeming Estadio de Vallecas unsafe, Rayo have been forced to play home games in Leganés, a move that has alienated many local supporters.

Walking the streets of Vallecas, Camello points to the graffiti‑covered walls, the neighborhood bars and the community spirit that define the club. “It’s the pre‑game, the post‑game, the people,” he explains, noting that fans will be waiting for him as they always have, regardless of venue.

While the club prepares to reopen its doors in roughly 64 hours, Camello remains hopeful that the return will restore the unique atmosphere that has long characterised Rayo Vallecano, both on and off the pitch.