Jesús Galván hopes to spring a surprise against Rayo

Jesús Galván hopes to “spring a surprise” against Rayo in the Copa del Rey’s first-round tie. The Recreativo coach wants his team to approach the match with ambition. It will be played in three weeks at the Nuevo Colombino stadium, against an opponent he calls “a historic club with strong roots among the people”.

Speaking to EFE, Galván described the “great excitement” at Recreativo as the cup approaches. The club is second in Group 5 of the Segunda RFEF, with 12 points from five matchdays. He also praised Rayo’s campaign, calling them “Conference League finalists last year”, while noting that they have had a doubtful start to this season.

The coach expects “a good, closely contested match”. He believes the Nuevo Colombino setting could give Recreativo space to play against Rayo, unlike matches against Segunda RFEF sides, which he expects to leave less room. That, he suggested, could allow his team to use a different approach.

Galván also believes Rayo’s squad is less deep than those of some other possible opponents, such as Sevilla or Betis. Though the draw did not produce the regional derby he would have preferred, he sees the tie as a chance “to give the fans something to celebrate”.

“We would like to spring that surprise. If not, promotion is what matters most to us,” he said. He regards Rayo as a high-calibre opponent, but believes Recreativo are currently in a good spell and must make the most of it.