Valencia And Levante Matches Postponed Amid Devastating Floods In Spain
Valencia’s La Liga fixture against Espanyol, scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed as the city of Valencia continues to recover from severe floods that struck eastern Spain last week. The unprecedented flooding, which began on Tuesday, has tragically claimed at least 218 lives and left widespread destruction in its wake.
Levante, another club based in Valencia, has also had their Sunday fixture in the Spanish second division against Tenerife postponed due to the ongoing crisis. Last week, Valencia’s Copa del Rey match with Parla Escuela and their La Liga game against Real Madrid were similarly deferred as a mark of respect and support for the affected communities.
In a statement, Valencia FC said, “At this time, football is secondary, and all efforts must go to aid those affected by the tragic aftermath of the DANA weather phenomenon. Valencia CF would like to express their deepest condolences and support to those impacted.”
Levante expressed gratitude for the support received, saying, “We would like to thank La Liga, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and CD Tenerife for their sensitivity and understanding, as well as the numerous displays of affection and help from all over Spain and internationally. Our focus will continue to be on collaborating and supporting the efforts of emergency services and volunteers, and on providing assistance to those affected by this catastrophe.”
The decision to postpone matches has been widely supported, though the continuation of some La Liga games last weekend drew criticism. Leading figures in Spanish football, including Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone, and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick, voiced their disappointment over the decision to play while the nation mourned and mobilised relief efforts.
The football community has rallied around the city of Valencia, with clubs, fans, and officials uniting to show solidarity and provide assistance to those impacted by one of the region’s worst natural disasters in recent history.
