The weekend La Liga matches between Valencia and Villarreal have been postponed to a later date.
The violent floods in Spain have also affected local sports. So far, the floods that have claimed at least 155 lives, started by heavy rains, have hit the Valencia region in particular.
Valencia CF, who play in Spain’s top flight La Liga, have opened their home stadium as a relief center for flood victims, and the men’s national team held a moment of silence in honor of the victims before training on Wednesday.
– We wish our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and to everyone affected by this disaster. It puts football on the backburner, in the club’s announcement was written.
Valencia was supposed to face Real Madrid this coming Saturday, but the match has been postponed to a later date. Neighboring club Villarreal’s weekend La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano is also cancelled.
The same goes for the six matches of the Spanish Cup and the games of the women’s main series Valencia–Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid–Levante.
How’s MotoGP going?
The final round of MotoGP, the reigning class of track motorcycling, was supposed to be held in Valencia in mid-November, but its fate is still open.
The six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez by the race should not be run on Ricardo Tormo’s track.
– The race should be run somewhere else. The proceeds should go to families affected by the floods. As a Spaniard, it is difficult for me to look at the flood pictures, Marquez said.
– The track area is badly damaged, it makes no sense to spend money to repair it. Resources should go to helping people.
Superstars react
Spanish big clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona have expressed their support for the victims of the floods, and both held a moment of silence in their training.
Football players, e.g. Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos and Thibaut Courtois posted shows of support on social media.
– I wish a lot of courage and strength for everyone in Valencia and other storm-ravaged areas, Modric wrote in X.
Spanish tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz they also wished for strength for those who lost their loved ones.
– This has been a sad day when our country has suffered from the pain caused by the storm. Seeing the pictures hurts the heart. Love and courage to all those who have lost family members or friends, Nadal wrote.
Rescue operations in the area are still ongoing. The authorities have urged people to stay at home for the time being.