I forsook a visit to a Non-League club to go to Molineux to see Wolverhampton Wanderers play a Pre-Season friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
I had always wanted to go to Molineux and the opportunity of a £9 ticket was appealing. I remembered Wolves from early years being talked about by my relatives due to their games against top European Clubs which paved the way for todays European competitions. Sadly Wolves do not feature in any of the current games but their establishment in the Premier League may give them the spring board to reach that level.
In a previous post I reviewed the book ‘Working Class Hero’s‘ all about Rayo Vallecano and their working class roots and their stand against Fascism and Racism even during the Franco years, perhaps apt after the scenes in some English towns and city’s of recent times.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, commonly referred to as Wolves started life as St Luke’s F.C. in 1877 changing to their current name just 2 years later. Their most successful period was in the 1950’s but overall they have won England’s top league on 3 occasions, been to F.A. Cup Finals 8 time and won the League Cup twice. A proud history that looked in jeopardy in the 1980’s when they slumped to the 4th tier of English football but they are now well and truly back.
Rayo Vallecano considered the third team of Madrid behind Real and Athletico, but don’t say that to their proud supporters from their Vallecas base. They were formed in 1924 and play at their compact 14708 capacity stadium. They have spent 22 seasons in La Liga (Spain’s top league) although last season they took the last relegation spot and will now play in the Second Division.
Wolves pre-season has gone well to date and Rayo Vallecano’s has improved with a recent win over Bournemouth.
It was a beautiful sunny day (23 degrees) with fluffy white clouds, as I walked to the stadium amongst a happy crowd of all ages. I passed the ‘Leaping Wolf’ ‘ pub which looked lively with many wearing the new seasons shirts.
It was a little muggy but the drizzle I drove through on the A38 was long gone. The stadium looked inviting, as I approached the Stan Cullis Stand, which you are able to walk round with ease. Inside it is magnificent with four individual stands that in my mind keep its history rather than the wrap round same design of many clubs.
I was in the recently introduce safe standing area which has a seat but railings to hold onto if you wish that act as a barrier against any crowd rush, should that happen.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Rayo Vallecano 1
Saturday 10th August 2024 Pre-season Friendly 15.00 pm kick off
Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Rd, Wolverhampton WV1 4QR
Wolves; Old Gold Shirts with Black shorts. Rayo Vallecano; White Shirts except for a red diagonal stripe on the front and two on the back with white shorts.
The game had an edgy start as both teams made mistakes but Rayo looked more interested and it was no surprise when their diminutive but lively Isi Palazon took the ball on the edge of the box, found space to shoot and with a slight deflection the ball ended in the right hand corner of the net. Wolves huffed and puffed but seemed to stay in a low gear the whole half.
Rayo continued to look very solid in the second half with their three centre backs looking as if they could play in the Premier League each week. The home team finally looked like they were going to score in the final minutes, Hee Chan Hwang headed down into the goalkeepers arms when he should have scored. There were numerous changes in the second half and Rayo must have been the most pleased with their workout. Perhaps it was the fact that neither team wanted injury’s only a week away from the start of the season which meant their was little competitiveness in the match.
A great day out though, sunny weather, great stadium, great paying surface, happy family crowd and an achievement in seeing the stadium and Rayo Vallecano.
On the day a program was being given out free, a folded poster of the seasons fixtures, the latest Wolves news and a bit about the opponents. A nice touch.
Unfortunately, no chips so I just had to try the pie. The chicken Balti pie was hot in heat and spice with a dry crust round the edge, should have had something else.
payonthegate 