Rayo Vallecano v Athletic Club abandoned over fan protest as Barcelona make it eight wins from eight

Saturday's La Liga programme was overshadowed in Madrid, where Rayo Vallecano's home game against Athletic Club was abandoned in the first half after supporters repeatedly threw objects onto the pitch. Their protest was aimed at club president Raul Martin Presa. Elsewhere on 10 October, Barcelona beat Getafe 3-0 to win their eighth league game out of eight, Real Madrid edged Villarreal 1-0 despite a red card for Vinicius Junior, and Atletico Madrid won late at Alaves.

Why Rayo v Athletic was abandoned

The trouble at the Estadio de Vallecas began around the 13th minute. As Athletic prepared to take a corner, paper aeroplanes and small balls landed on the pitch. Spanish outlets also reported seats being thrown. Referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez stopped play several times. Rayo players Oscar Valentin and Isi Palazon went over to speak to the club's hardcore supporters during one stoppage.

When more objects came down after a restart, the referee spoke with police and abandoned the match in the 28th minute with the score 0-0. MARCA reported that riot police stepped in when some fans tried to get onto the pitch.

Rayo fans have been calling for Presa to leave for a long time. Among other things, they blame him for the poor condition of the stadium, which had its licence temporarily withdrawn. That forced Rayo to play home games in Leganes, a trip most fans refused to make. A banner in the stands told the president the ball was now in his court.

What happens next

La Liga condemned the incidents and said the game was stopped because objects kept being thrown onto the pitch. A new date has not yet been set. Sports Illustrated reported that the Spanish federation could order a full or partial closure of Rayo's ground for up to three matches. Rayo vice-president Jose Maria Sarda de Abreu called the scenes "despicable". The club's fans' association, however, defended the protest as legitimate and said it was aimed at Presa's management.

Barcelona match their best start

Barcelona barely needed to get going against Getafe. Anthony Gordon scored after 78 seconds for his first goal for the club. Gabriel Jesus, leading the attack in Raphinha's absence, added a second around the half-hour mark, and Jules Kounde finished a short-corner routine with Lamine Yamal in the 73rd minute.

That makes eight wins from eight, equalling Barcelona's best start to a La Liga season, set under Gerardo Martino in 2013-14. They have scored 34 league goals so far.

Real Madrid and Atletico keep pace

Real Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 at the Bernabeu. Yan Diomande scored midway through the second half from a Federico Valverde pass. Kylian Mbappe started, days after reports of his return from a knee injury, and Jose Mourinho's side had to finish with 10 men. Vinicius came off the bench, had a goal ruled out by VAR for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair in the build-up, and was then shown a straight red card around the 72nd minute. Thibaut Courtois made four saves.

Atletico needed an 87th-minute header from Cristian Romero, set up by Alex Baena, to win 2-1 at Alaves. Alejandro Grimaldo had put them ahead in the 33rd minute before Lucas Boye levelled from the penalty spot around half-time. Alaves had Angel Perez sent off after a VAR review in the 61st minute, and Atletico pushed for the winner from there. On Friday, Malaga and Espanyol drew 1-1.

Sunday's games in Malaysia time

Four more matches are scheduled for Sunday 11 October: Elche v Celta Vigo (8pm), Real Sociedad v Deportivo La Coruna (10.15pm), Real Betis v Osasuna (12.30am Monday) and Racing Santander v Valencia (3am Monday).

Key takeaways

• Rayo Vallecano v Athletic Club was abandoned at 0-0 in the 28th minute after fans protesting against president Raul Martin Presa threw objects onto the pitch.
• La Liga condemned the incidents. Rayo could face a stadium closure, and the game will be rescheduled.
• Barcelona beat Getafe 3-0 for eight wins from eight, equalling their best La Liga start.
• Real Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 despite Vinicius' red card, and Atletico won 2-1 at Alaves with a late Romero header.

FAQ

Why was Rayo Vallecano v Athletic Club abandoned? Home supporters protesting against club president Raul Martin Presa kept throwing paper aeroplanes, balls and other objects onto the pitch. After several stoppages the referee abandoned the game in the 28th minute.

Will the Rayo v Athletic match be replayed? It is expected to be rescheduled, but no date had been announced. The Spanish federation could also punish Rayo with a stadium closure.

Why was Vinicius Junior sent off against Villarreal? The substitute was shown a straight red card around the 72nd minute, after an earlier goal of his was ruled out for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair.

Sources: Goal, Sports Illustrated, Yen.com.gh, Sky Sports, FotMob, Sofascore, All Football