Raúl Baena

Raúl Baena

Personal information
Full name	José Raúl Baena Urdiales
Date of birth	(1989-03-02) 2 March 1989
Place of birth	Torrox, Spain
Height
Position(s)	Defensive midfielder
Team information
Current team	Rayo Vallecano
Number	8
Youth career
1994–1999	Faro Torrox
1999–2003	Málaga
2003–2007	Barcelona
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2007–2010	Espanyol B	38	(3)
2009–2013	Espanyol	85	(2)
2013–	Rayo Vallecano	62	(2)
International career
2006	Spain U17	4	(0)
2011	Spain U21	1	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 28 December 2015

This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Baena and the second or maternal family name is Urdiales.

José Raúl Baena Urdiales (born 2 March 1989) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Rayo Vallecano as a defensive midfielder.

Football career

Born in Torrox, Málaga, Andalusia, and after starting his footballing career at local Málaga CF and later coming through the FC Barcelona's youth ranks, Baena switched to Catalonia neighbours RCD Espanyol in 2007, at the age of 18. He made his debut with its first team on 4 October 2009 in a La Liga game against Villarreal CF, playing the second half as his ten-man side eventually held off the hosts to a 0–0 draw.

Baena quickly became an integral part of the main squad, alternating starts with appearances from the bench in his debut season. On 12 December 2009, his penalty offense on FC Barcelona's Xavi supposed the game's only goal, in a derby defeat.

Baena was regularly used by manager Mauricio Pochettino in the following campaigns, often partnering another club youth graduate, Javi Márquez, in central midfield. On 21 January 2012 he scored his first goal in the top flight, opening the scoresheet in a 3–0 home success over Granada CF.

External links

• Raúl Baena profile at BDFutbol
• Raúl Baena profile at Futbolme (Spanish)
• Raúl Baena at Soccerway