How can we go from an all-out failure at OM to a European Cup semi-final in just 9 months? Luiz Felipe has the answer to this question. The central defender of Rayo Vallecano managed to achieve this small feat all the same since he reached the last four of the Europa Conference League by defeating AEK Athens at the end of a suffocating double confrontation (3-0, 1-3). He was also injured in the return match in Greece, when he thought he had put an end to all his physical problems which have prevented him from having continuity for almost two years.
When he arrived at Al-Ittihad three years ago, two muscle tears had already forced him to stay away from the field before other problems put an end to his Saudi adventure. The 2024 summer transfer window marked it due to the number of foreign recruits at the club. Unqualified, the native of Colina in Brazil just had to find a new base. It took him 5 months to leave to bounce back at Marseille where his past injuries and his lack of rhythm immediately failed him. Luiz Felipe was expected to be a pillar of the defense, but he ended up being a liability.
Physical problems still present
Arriving in January 2025, the Italian international (1 selection) spent almost two months playing his first minutes. A start against PSG later during which he showed his limits, the player left the group again. He lacked rhythm and was hardly seen all season before, the icing on the cake was a final glitch in April. “Luiz Felipe, it’s been two weeks since he came back. He had an eye problem this week, so I don’t know if he’ll be here tomorrow. He is unlucky this year», lamented Roberto De Zerbi. After 4 appearances in Ligue 1 (2 starts), it was time to call it quits.
Head to Rayo Vallecano, for a year, at 29 years old, after an almost blank season and physical problems. The bet is risky, especially for the Madrid team, not really known for dropping expensive salaries. The former Betis player, however, becomes the best paid player in a squad where he completely disappears between September and December, after starting as a starter. “When Luiz Felipe was injured, we knew it would be difficultassured Iñigo Perez, his trainer, in October. There are certain medical particularities to take into account, especially given your history.»
The Europa Conference League as a field of expression
Difficult to continue in these conditions and to offer guarantees (17 matches played in all competitions). The 1m87 right-hander plays little in La Liga, while he vents his frustration in the Europa Conference League, when he is fit (starter in the last 6 matches). And it is bearing fruit since the club with the famous red flash on the jersey qualifies for the first continental semi-finals in its history where it will meet Strasbourg this Thursday, also author of an unprecedented epic. Luiz Felipe’s experience will not be too much to face this type of event, provided that he is available of course.
