Rayo Vallecano secure return to LaLiga Santander

The 15th of May 2016 was one of the darkest days in Rayo Vallecano's recent history. A 3-1 win over Levante UD was not enough to prevent the Madrilenians tumbling into LaLiga 1|2|3 after five straight seasons in LaLiga Santander. However, just over two years later, Los Franjirrojos are bound for the best league in the world again.

The Vallecas outfit sealed a longed-for return to LaLiga Santander at home, overcoming CD Lugo 1-0 to mathematically secure promotion with one matchday to spare. Rayo will thus contest their 18th campaign in the top flight in 2018/19.

Michel's men have got their reward for their sensational performances this term. They have been in the automatic promotion places since Matchday 27 and are the leading scorers in LaLiga 1|2|3 with 67 goals.

Raul de Tomas has spearheaded the Rayo charge in style, racking up 24 goals in his maiden season at the club. Alongside him, the likes of Oscar Trejo (12 goals and four assists) and Adrian Embarba (eight goals and 14 assists) have also shone going forward, helping Los Franjirrojos to rise into LaLiga Santander for the seventh time. The club's previous promotions came in 1977, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1999 and 2011.