Rayo Vallecano faced a tumultuous return to their home ground on a bright Saturday, after being forced away for 147 days. Their match against Athletic Club was suspended just 24 minutes and 56 seconds into play due to a powerful fans' protest, during which thousands of paper planes descended onto the pitch, symbolizing their discontent with the club's management.

The last competitive game at Avenida de Albufera had been a victory against Villarreal in May. Since then, Rayo Vallecano had experienced significant turmoil including a European final appearance, managerial changes, and the retirement of captain Óscar Trejo. The Madrid government’s suspension of their ground agreement for €81,784 a year left the club in a precarious position, with fans feeling abandoned and furious at president Raúl Martín Presa.

As the match commenced, fans planned their protest meticulously, chanting “Presa, go now!” and launching paper planes in the 13th minute. The referee, José María Sánchez Martínez, paused the game multiple times to clear the pitch, but the protest continued. After an eight-minute and 43-second delay, the game resumed, only to be interrupted again as more planes flew onto the field.

Ultimately, Athletic Club and Rayo players, alongside referees and officials, gathered in a circle to discuss the situation. The match was abandoned after 49 minutes and 18 seconds, with only 13 minutes of play recorded. Fans chanted in solidarity, with even Athletic’s supporters showing camaraderie.

Rayo’s supporters’ association described the protest as a response to 15 years of neglect and mismanagement, calling for change in leadership. Despite the match's abandonment, the fans' spirits remained high, united in their cause.