Two promising young talents from Rayo Vallecano, Etienne Eto’o and Marco de la Sías, won't be making the trip to Salamanca for the second round Copa del Rey match against Unionistas. They have been left behind in Vallecas and will not have the opportunity to play at the Estadio Reina Sofía.
Both players from Rayo Vallecano B, who have been training with the first team, will not feature against Unionistas as they did in the previous match against Villamuriel, as they have not been called up by coach Íñigo Pérez for the Copa del Rey fixture.
The striker and the right-back have remained in Vallecas, as the franjirrojo squad is at full strength, aside from the absence of Raúl de Tomás. The high number of players available for this match has left both of them without a place in the squad traveling to Salamanca.
Etienne Eto’o made his debut with Rayo Vallecano against Villamuriel, scoring a goal. On the other hand, Marco de la Sías also made his official debut against the Palencia-based team in the previous round of the Copa del Rey. However, this time neither of them has made the squad.
Moving on to the Unionistas de Salamanca fans, they showed unwavering support for their team before another historic evening at the Reina Sofía stadium began. The atmosphere was electric as hundreds of supporters disregarded the midweek schedule to cheer on their players upon arrival at the stadium.
The passionate fan base of Unionistas always serves as the 12th man, and their warm welcome to the team was no exception. Chants, drums, and the black-and-white flags flying high created a vibrant display of support for the players.
Security was tight as the National Police stepped up their presence to prevent any incidents, ensuring that flares were not lit and that barriers remained secure. It was a challenging task given the fervent support shown by the fans.
The fervor of the fans overshadowed the unusual midweek kickoff time, providing Unionistas with an extra dose of energy and confidence as they entered the field for a match that would soon become a memorable one.
The matchup between Unionistas de Salamanca and the Madrid-based team had some peculiarities worth noting. The Rayo Vallecano President, Martín Presa, unexpectedly joined the scene in Salamanca, mingling and discussing in Tapas 3.0.
At the core of Unionistas' team lies a goal-scoring midfielder, David Rabadán, who has been a key player for the team in the Copa del Rey and league matches alike. Rabadán's impressive performances have made him a pivotal figure in Dani Llácer's squad, with notable contributions in both competitions.
So far in the Primera Federación league, Rabadán has notched two goals, including a crucial one in the recent match against Barakaldo, securing a victory for Unionistas. His standout moment came in the earlier Copa del Rey fixture against Utebo, where he scored a memorable hat-trick.
Reflecting on his personal achievements, Rabadán expressed satisfaction with his performance, emphasizing that individual statistics are secondary to overall team success. His focus remains on contributing positively to the team's performance on the pitch.
As Unionistas prepares to face a Primera División opponent in the Copa del Rey, Rabadán and his teammates are eager to showcase their abilities against higher-tier teams. The youthful midfielder acknowledges the challenge of competing against experienced and skilled players but remains determined to give his best on the field.
Rabadán's success in the Copa del Rey reflects his knack for being in the right place at the right time, whether it's scoring goals or contributing strategically to the team's gameplay. His versatility and intuitive positioning have proven valuable in crucial moments, a quality he aims to leverage in upcoming matches.
Looking ahead to the showdown against Rayo Vallecano, Rabadán emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the match, especially against a quality opponent. With confidence in the team's efforts and the support of their fans, Unionistas aims to make a strong impression on the pitch.
As Unionistas prepares to host Rayo Vallecano at the Reina Sofía stadium, Rabadán is excited about the prospect of playing in front of their passionate supporters. The enthusiastic backing from the stands adds an extra layer of motivation for the players, creating an electrifying atmosphere that fuels their determination to perform at their best.
