Drone footage captured workers and heavy machinery clearing mud from a bridge and road near the Spanish town of Torrent, close to Valencia, as reconstruction efforts begin following devastating flash floods.
The bridge was directly in the path of a massive surge of muddy water and debris on Tuesday, October 29, that severely impacted the region.
The deadliest flash floods in Spain’s modern history have claimed the lives of at least 214 people, with dozens still missing, authorities reported on Saturday, November 2. In response, the government is deploying an additional 5,000 troops to assist with searches and clean-up, adding to the 2,500 soldiers already on site.
Valencian authorities confirmed a total of 211 fatalities within the region, with two additional deaths in Castilla La Mancha and one in Andalusia, making this Europe’s worst flood-related disaster since the Portuguese floods of 1967.
Valenciahas initiated disciplinary action against forward Rafa Mir after his recent arrest by the Spanish Guardia Civil on allegations of sexual assault.
While the club did not officially outline the specific disciplinary measures, sources informed Reuters that Mir is expected to face a fine and be separated from the team for an unspecified duration.
“Valencia wish to reiterate the club’s firm condemnation of any violence in any form, while respecting the presumption of innocence that our legal system promulgates,” the club said in statement.
“The justice system must decide the course of action regarding the allegations for which Rafa Mir is being investigated.
“However, as far as the club is concerned, and within the framework of its competences, we have analysed the situation and decided to undertake disciplinary measures.
“Specifically, the club will proceed to open a case against Rafa Mir as we feel his way of behaving, in his time off, indisputably affects the professional performance expected of him as a player of this club, damaging, in addition, the confidence that our fans have in all of the players.
“The club will continue to collaborate with the police in whatever way required.”
Earlier on Monday, Mir denied having committed sexual assault and apologised for “failing to comply, even on a day off, with the rigorous timetable expected of a professional and even more so after a start to the season that fell short of our expectations.”
Mir, who has also played for Wolves and Sevilla, was arrested last week after a woman filed a complaint against him, and he testified before a judge on Wednesday.
The judge who ordered his conditional release will now lead an investigation to establish whether there is enough evidence for Mir to stand trial or if the case should be dropped.
This setback means he’ll be sidelined once again for the Spanish giants, having been penalised for his dismissal during a contentious 2-2 draw against Valencia.
Bellingham’s expulsion came in stoppage time after disputing with referee Gil Manzano, following his disallowed goal—a header that he believed to be the match-winner—only for the final whistle to be blown.
Despite Bellingham’s absence being a setback for Madrid, they maintain an impressive eight-point lead at the summit of La Liga and remain strong contenders for the Champions League quarter-finals, having secured a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the first leg.
The English international has been a prolific force for Madrid this season, contributing 20 goals and eight assists across all competitions since his high-profile £87 million ($107.4 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer, with the potential fee rising to £108 million ($133 million).
Although Bellingham will miss Madrid’s upcoming league fixtures against Celta Vigo and Osasuna on March 10 and March 16, respectively, he will be eligible to feature in theircrucial Champions League last-16 clash against RB Leipzig at home on Wednesday night.
Valencia and Levante have formally requested that La Liga postpone their respective matches this weekend in light of a tragic fire that occurred in the Spanish city on Thursday.
The devastating blaze, which engulfed two connected apartment blocks, resulted in the loss of at least four lives, with up to 15 individuals reported missing, according to Valencia’s emergency services.
Valencia is slated to play an away fixture against Granada in La Liga on Saturday at 2 p.m. local time. Seven hours later, Levante, a second division team, is scheduled to host FC Andorra in Valencia.
“The club deeply regrets what happened, wants to send a lot of strength to all the victims and publicly thanks the commendable work of the emergency services,” Valencia CF said in a statement.
“This Friday, the players and coaches of the men’s first team, the women’s first team and the VCF Academy teams will observe a respectful minute of silence at the beginning of their training sessions in memory of the victims.
“Likewise, the club has processed the request to postpone this Saturday’s match against Granada CF at the Nuevo Los Cármenes Stadium.”
Valencia also said it would fly flags at the club’s facilities at half-mast in line with the three days of mourning declared by the city.
Levante said in a statement they had requested for their game to be postponed and added: “We join in the pain of the families and friends of the victims and we express our gratitude to the emergency services for their commendable work in this terrible event.”
“FC Barcelona offers its condolences to the families of the victims of the fire in Valencia and lends its support to those affected,” Barcelona wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
In a statement on their website, Real Madrid said: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and its board of directors would like to express their deepest sympathy for the victims of the fire that has affected the city of Valencia in the last few hours and express their solidarity with all those affected and with all the people of Valencia.”
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has announced via social media that he will make a return to the Germany national team in preparation for this summer’s European Championship.
The 34-year-old, who retired from international football in 2021, had disclosed earlier this month that he was contemplating the decision ahead of Euro 2024, which is set to be hosted by Germany.
“Guys, short and painless: I will play for Germany again in March,” Kroos posted on Instagram.
“Why? Because I was asked by the national coach, I’m up for it, and I’m sure that a lot more is possible with the team at the European Championships than most people believe!”
Kroos made 106 appearances for Germany between 2010 and 2021, scoring 17 goals, and was a key member of the team that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
He retired after facing criticism for his performances in Euro 2020, when Germany were eliminated by England in the round-of-16.
The fire covered a tall building in the Campanar area and also spread to a nearby building.
Firefighters helped rescue people from balconies, and 19 people are still missing.
At least 14 people got hurt. This includes six firefighters and a young child.
Strong winds made the fire bigger, and people think that easily flammable material on the outside of the building made the fire spread quickly.
More than 20 teams of firefighters worked to put out the fire, and by early Friday the building was completely burned and damaged by the fire. People were told to not go to the place.
Local news said firefighters saved many people using heavy machinery, including a couple who lived on the seventh floor.
A lady told TVE that she saw firefighters trying to save a teenage boy stuck on the first floor of the building.
People in Spain are asking about the materials used to build the building after the fire started.
Esther Puchades, who is a vice president of the College of Industrial Technical Engineers in Valencia, said to the Spanish news agency Efe that she had looked at the building before.
She said the outside had a material called polyurethane that is not used much anymore because people are worried it might catch on fire.
A man who lives on the second floor of the building said to a TV channel that the fire quickly grew after it started on the fourth floor.
“He said the fire spread quickly in 10 minutes. The material on the outside of the building might have helped the fire spread. ”
David Higuera, who is an engineer, told El País that the covering on the building might have made the fire spread quickly.
The outside of the building has aluminium plates with foam inside. They are good at keeping heat and cold out, but they can catch on fire easily.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) that he is very upset about the large fire in a building in Valencia. I want to show my support to all the people going through a tough time and to thank all the emergency workers who are already helping.
Carlo Ancelotti praised Real Madrid’s stellar 5-1 victory against Valencia as their top performance of the season. He also announced that Jude Bellingham will not participate in England’s duties.
Real Madrid’s early goal by Dani Carvajal was followed by impressive braces from both Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, securing a commanding win.
This triumph brought them within two points of the unexpected league leaders, Girona.Despite a late consolation goal from Hugo Duro, Ancelotti was thrilled with his team’s overall performance, making it an enjoyable night for the Real Madrid camp.
The Italian said: “Was it our best performance? Yes.
“Valencia haven’t shown their best because we played a very good game, the first 15 minutes we could have defended better but from there the game was perfect.
“Vinicius and Rodrygo both did very well, as part of the wider team who all played very well.
“I don’t like to assess on an individual level but as a team they did a splendid job.”
Ancelotti must have been particularly delighted with the lopsided win, considering the absence of their star player, Bellingham, who suffered a dislocated shoulder last week.
Despite the injury, the 20-year-old is slated to join Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions next week. Nonetheless, his club manager anticipates a swift return to Spain for him.
The 64-year-old tactician said: “Bellingham will go, yes, to be evaluated and he’ll come back after that, because he hasn’t played today.
“He is doing specific work to strengthen his shoulder over the next few weeks but he will be back to playing after that.”
Since his arrival at Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in June for an initial £88.5 million, Bellingham has had a remarkable beginning in Spain.
His 13 goals in 14 appearances across LaLiga and the Champions League have broken numerous records. Additionally, he contributed two assists for his country against Italy last month.
Despite being a favorite at the Bernabeu, he appears likely to join Tottenham midfielder James Maddison and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson on the injury list, missing England’s upcoming matches against Malta and North Macedonia.
United States international Yunus Musah is on the verge of joining AC Milan after Valencia decided to lower their demands for the midfielder.
Initially asking for €25 million, Valencia has now settled for €20 million, which has reignited the deal.
Milan’s previous bid of €18 million plus bonuses was turned down, but the compromise between the two clubs has paved the way for Musah’s transfer to Milan.
It is believed that Musah is keen on moving to Milan, and this desire played a role in Valencia’s decision to agree on a lower transfer fee.
The young USMNT star has already reached a personal agreement with Milan, and the transfer is nearing completion.
Musah is expected to sign a contract worth €2 million per year with Stefano Pioli’s team, and he will have the opportunity to team up with fellow USMNT player Christian Pulisic at Milan.
Meanwhile, the Lombardy outfit is busy lightening their squad and are ready to offload Ante Rebic to Besiktas.
According to Sky Sports Italy, it will be a loan deal with a buy option in the contract.
Musah spent significant time inArsenal’s academy system as a youngster and also holds an Italian passport which will ensure that he will not occupy a non-EU spot.
During his four-year stint in Spain, he has made 108 senior appearances and boasts of scoring five goals.
In a powerful display of solidarity, Rodrygo Goes dedicated his dramatic last-minute winning goal against Rayo Vallecano to histeammate Vinicius Junior, who has been subjected to racial abuse and discrimination throughout the season.
Vinicius recently endured another distressing incident at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium, prompting an overwhelming wave of support from the global football community.
The call for more stringent measures to combat racism in the sport, especially in Spain, has grown louder.
Demonstrating their unity, Real Madrid players took to the field at the Bernabeu wearing No. 20 jerseys, representing Vinicius’ squad number.
The match against Rayo Vallecano ended with a 2-1 victory for Madrid, amplifying the message of solidarity and the collective stance against racism.
In the said encounter, Rodrygo, who scored the late winner for Los Blancos, dedicated his goal to his compatriot.
“It was a goal for my brother, for Vini. We’re always together, we have experienced many things, and we have already won everything with this club. I’m always by his side till the end, he already knows that, and we will continue fighting against racism,” he said, as quoted by Madrid Zone.
Despite being cleared to play the Vallecano game after La Liga reversed his red card against Valencia, Vinicius was omittedfrom Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the mid-week clash.
Tebas apologises to Vinicius
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that La Liga president, Javier Tebas has realised he was wrong for criticising Vinicius Junior, after the Real Madrid forward voiced his frustrations in a tweet after being racially abused.
The La Liga chief faced heavy backlash from the football community after he appeared to slam Vini for ‘failing to inform himself properly’. This was after the forward posted a message outlining the abuse he regularly receives at stadiums across Spain.
Tebas has now tendered an apology to Vinicius, as he revealed he had no intentions of attacking the Brazilian forward.
Vinicius being calmed after reacting to racism attacks from Valencia fans and La Liga president, Tebas
Manchester United supporters have taken to social media to express their desire for the talented Real Madrid player, Vinicius Jnr, to join their team after racist attacks.
The recent racial abuse directed at Vinicius Jr. by Valencia fans during his team’s 1-0 defeat has attracted significant attention.
While this incident is not an isolated occurrence, it appears that the Brazilian winger will likely continue his career at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Vinicius Junior was subjected to recist chants by fans during Real Madrid’s La Liga defeat to Valencia on Sunday. Photo by Quality Sport Images
According to Express Football, it is not the first time the 22-year-old has suffered abuse, with Mallorca and Atletico Madrid fans also targeting him earlier in the season.
Man United fans have now flocked to Twitter to call on Vini to move to Old Trafford this summer.
“We are with you Vini. Leave that dead league and come to United,” rallied @TheUtdLatest.
@ElijahBryant18 said:
“Just come to United my brother you deserve an exciting league free of racial abuse”
“Vinicius, come to United where you would be adored like your compatriot Casemiro,” were the words of @HenryNanthony.
Vincius Jr wants Madrid stay
Despite all the setbacks Vini Jr has had this season, reports have suggested the forward is eager to remain at Real Madrid, BBC Sports reports.
Those close to the player have reportedly begun to plan the forward’s possible exit from the Spanish capital.
Vinicius Jr has been urged to ditch Real Madrid for Man Utd this summer. Credit: @brfootball
Source: Getty Images
Vinicius, however, is said to be dedicated to Madrid and desires to win the war against racism by sticking to his guns rather than turning away.
Ronaldo sends message to Vinicius
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Brazil legend, Ronaldo showing Vinicius Jr his support after the Brazilian was subjected to racism in a La Liga game against Valencia.
The unfortunate incident took place at the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday, with the Real Madrid winger cruelly targeted by chants from sections of the home crowd.
Among the legends who came forth to show support towards Vinicius after the incident was Ronaldo, who posted on social media in support of his fellow countryman.
Real Madrid has labeled the racism directed at Vinicius Jr as a “hate crime” and has taken action by filing a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office.
The Brazilian forward has brought attention to a series of incidents occurring in various cities in Spain, following an alleged racist attack during Real Madrid’s 1-0 LaLiga defeat against Valencia.
Valencia has reported that the police have identified a fan involved in making racist gestures towards Vinicius, and that individual now faces a permanent ban from entering Mestalla stadium.
“Every round away from home is an unpleasant surprise. And there were many this season. Death wishes, hanged doll, many criminal screams… All registered,” Vinicius tweeted on Monday night.
“But the speech always falls on ‘isolated cases’, ‘a fan’. No, these are not isolated cases. They are continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain (and even in a television programme).
“The evidence is there in the video. Now I ask: how many of these racists had names and photos exposed on websites? I answer to make it easier: zero. None to tell a sad story or make those fake public apologies.
“What is missing to criminalise these people? And punish clubs sportingly? Why don’t sponsors charge La Liga? Don’t televisions bother to broadcast this barbarity every weekend?
“The problem is very serious and communications no longer work. Not blaming me to justify criminal acts either. You are not football, you are inhuman.”
The game was paused after the break as Vinicius pointed out to the referee those who were allegedly abusing him in the stands.
The game was paused after the break as Vinicius pointed out to the referee those who were allegedly abusing him in the stands.
In a strongly-worded statement, his club said: “Real Madrid CF shows its strongest revulsion and condemns the events that took place yesterday against our player Vinicius Junior.
“These facts constitute a direct attack on the coexistence model of our social and democratic state of law.
“Real Madrid considers that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, for which reason it has filed the corresponding complaint with the state attorney general’s office, specifically with the prosecutor’s office against hate crimes and discrimination, so that the facts can be investigated and clear responsibilities.
“Article 124 of the Spanish constitution establishes the functions of the public prosecutor’s office to promote the action of justice in defence of legality and the rights of citizens and the public interest.
“For this reason, and given the seriousness of the events that occurred, Real Madrid has turned to the sate attorney general’s office, without prejudice to its appearance as a private prosecution in the proceedings that are being initiated.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, meanwhile, tweeted: “Zero tolerance for racism in football. Sport is based on the values of tolerance and respect. Hate and xenophobia should have no place in our football or in our society.”
In an earlier statement on Instagram, Vinicius said that racism was “normal” in LaLiga.
He said: “It wasn’t the first time, not the second and not the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga.
“The competition thinks it’s normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it. I am so sorry.
“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi, today belongs to the racists.
“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and I love, but which accepted to export the image to the world from a racist country.
“Sorry for the Spaniards who do not agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.”
LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded to Vinicius’ post on Sunday by accusing the forward of “criticising and insulting” the league.
In another tweet on Monday, Tebas said: “Neither Spain nor @LaLiga are racist. It is very unfair to say this.
“Real Madrid considers that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, for which reason it has filed the corresponding complaint with the state attorney general’s office, specifically with the prosecutor’s office against hate crimes and discrimination, so that the facts can be investigated and clear responsibilities.
“Article 124 of the Spanish constitution establishes the functions of the public prosecutor’s office to promote the action of justice in defence of legality and the rights of citizens and the public interest.
“For this reason, and given the seriousness of the events that occurred, Real Madrid has turned to the sate attorney general’s office, without prejudice to its appearance as a private prosecution in the proceedings that are being initiated.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, meanwhile, tweeted: “Zero tolerance for racism in football. Sport is based on the values of tolerance and respect. Hate and xenophobia should have no place in our football or in our society.”
In an earlier statement on Instagram, Vinicius said that racism was “normal” in LaLiga.
He said: “It wasn’t the first time, not the second and not the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga.
“The competition thinks it’s normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it. I am so sorry.
“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi, today belongs to the racists.
“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and I love, but which accepted to export the image to the world from a racist country.
“Sorry for the Spaniards who do not agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.”
LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded to Vinicius’ post on Sunday by accusing the forward of “criticising and insulting” the league.
In another tweet on Monday, Tebas said: “Neither Spain nor @LaLiga are racist. It is very unfair to say this.
“How @LaLiga we denounce and fight racism with all rigidity within our competences. This season there were 9 cases of racist insults (8 of them for insults against @vinijr)
OFFICIAL STATEMENT | Valencia CF will ban for life the fans who racially abused Vinícius Jr.
The Club strongly condemn this behaviour, which has no place in football and does not correspond to the values of Valencia CF and our fanbase.
“We always identify the violators and take the complaint to the legislating bodies. It doesn’t matter that they are few, they are relentless.
“We cannot allow the image of a competition that is about the symbol of peoples union to be tarnished, where more than 200 players are of black origin in 42 clubs that receive in each round the respect and affection of the fans, being the racism an extremely specific case (9 complaints) that we are going to eliminate.”
A statement released on Monday from Valencia read: “Valencia CF, in line with the club’s permanent commitment against racism and violence in all forms, announce that the police has identified a fan who made racist gestures at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr in the Matchday 35 match at Mestalla on May 21st.
“The club are also working along with the police to confirm the identity of any other potential offenders.
“From the moment that the unfortunate events occurred, the club have analysed all the available footage, working alongside the authorities as rapidly as possible to clarify what happened in order to be able to act quickly and forcefully.
“Valencia CF have proceeded to open a disciplinary case, will apply the maximum level of severity, including a lifetime stadium ban against the fans involved, and is working closely together with the authorities.”
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, a former Real colleague of Vinicius and a Brazil team-mate, called for LaLiga to take urgent action and adopt a policy of zero tolerance over racism.
“I feel disappointed and very sad to see, ashamed, how episodes of racism with my team-mate Vinicius Junior are repeated,” Casemiro wrote on Twitter.
“We cannot continue to tolerate this problem that transcends sport, affects the whole of society and goes unpunished. Public condemnation is not enough, punishment is necessary.
“LaLiga must urgently take exemplary measures, because these repeated incidents of racism tarnish the image not only of Spanish football, but also of all world football.”
Valencia announced Gennaro Gattuso’s departure on Monday after just 18 LaLiga games under his leadership.
After taking a year off from coaching, the former Milan and Napoli manager was hired before of the 2022–23 season.
Valencia, who placed eighth last term, has fallen flat under Gattuso’s leadership.
Gattuso leaves the team in 14th place, with just a point separating them from the bottom three despite having a game in hand over the other teams in the bottom half. He has lost all four of his games since the World Cup break.
Gattuso addressed the crowd after Valencia’s last-second loss to Real Valladolid on Sunday, his final game in charge, and admitted that Valencia’s bad results were his fault.
A day before Valencia announced his departure, the 45-year-old also attacked the assembled reporters in an irate manner.
“Valencia CF announce that this Monday, January 30th, the club and the first team coach, Gennaro Gattuso, have decided by mutual agreement to end the contractual relationship between the two parties,” a statement read.
“The club wish to thank Gattuso for his commitment and work during his time in charge and wish him the best of luck for the future.
“The team will return to training this Tuesday, January 31st, under ‘Voro’ Gonzalez.”
Voro, who is set to take charge of the team at Real Madrid on Thursday, is in his seventh spell as interim coach, having also led Los Che on a permanent basis in the second half of the 2016-17 campaign.
Ghanaian goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who was born in the Netherlands, earned his AZ Alkmaar first-team debut on Thursday when he came off the bench to help them defeat Valencia 3-1 in a friendly.
The 18-year-old Owusu-Oduro recently extended his Alkmaar professional contract, increasing his opportunity to feature for the first team.
The young goalkeeper managed to distinguish himself in the game by saving a penalty kick.
The game’s opening opportunity fell to the Spaniards, but Beukema was able to stop the threat in its tracks. Karlsson’s goal gave AZ the lead shortly after that. Odgaard assisted the Swede, who was then able to tap in from close range.
Soon after Odgaard and Pavlidis had opportunities, Valencia scored before halftime. Verhulst appeared to make a good stop, but the linesman flagged the ball as having passed the goal line.
The visitors quickly repaired the damage in the second half, regaining the lead within a minute. De Wit located Mamardashvili while he was still on the move, and Karlsson scored. Owuso-Oduro stopped another penalty kick in the last minutes.
Barcelona’s 19-year-old full-back Alejandro Balde has been added to Spain’s squad for the World Cup following an injury to Jose Gaya.
Valencia left-back Gaya has won 18 caps for Spain after making his international debut in 2018, and he looked likely to deputise for La Roja’s vice-captain Jordi Alba in Qatar.
However, Gaya suffered an ankle sprain in training on Wednesday, and while initial reports said his injury was not serious, Luis Enrique has opted against taking any risks ahead of the tournament.
Balde had been preparing to represent Spain’s under-21 side against Japan in a friendly on Friday, but he could now win his first senior cap on the grandest stage of all.
Balde made his Barcelona debut in a Champions Leaguedefeat to Bayern Munich last September, and has assumed a prominent role in Xavi’s new-look team this season.
With Barcelona battling a series of injury problems in defence, Balde has made 16 appearances for the Blaugrana this campaign, starting on 13 occasions.
Spain begin their Group E campaign against Costa Rica at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday, before taking on Germany in a huge clash four days later.
The Blaugrana exited Europe’s elite competition in midweek, after Inter Milan swatted Viktoria Plzen aside to secure knockout qualification.
However, they will be chasing a third consecutive league win at Valencia this weekend, following their 4-0 demolition of Athletic Bilbao on Matchday 11.
Elsewhere, leaders Real Madrid host Girona on Sunday, top-four hopefuls Real Sociedad and Real Betis go head-to-head and Atletico Madrid will hope to bounce back from their continental elimination by beating Cadiz.
Game of the week: Valencia vs Barcelona (Saturday, 8pm)
A trip to Valencia could be the perfect tonic for Barcelona’s European woes.
The Catalan giants have only lost one of their previous 15 league visits to the Mestalla (won seven, drawn seven) and have picked up maximum points from their last three meetings with Los Che.
Xavi’s men will certainly be confident about not conceding — they have kept nine clean sheets in their 11 LaLiga games this season, which is more than any other team in the competition’s history at this stage of the campaign.
And Barca have also been in sublime form at the other end of the pitch, with Robert Lewandowski netting a remarkable 12 goals in 11 league fixtures.
Real Madrid vs Girona (Sunday, 3.15pm)
Real Madrid will be flying the flag for Spain in 2023 — they are the only LaLiga team to have reached the Champions League knockout rounds.
Los Blancos are also leading the way domestically too, though Carlo Ancelotti’s side will need to watch out for a potential banana skin this weekend.
The table-toppers have lost two of their four league meetings with Girona, which is their highest losing percentage in the competition (50%).
However, the visitors are yet to record a win on the road in 2022-23 and the capital has not been a happy hunting ground for them in recent times — they have lost all of their last three visits to Madrid.
Federico Valverde has been remarkably lethal from distance this season
Real Sociedad vs Real Betis (Sunday, 8pm)
Both these sides suffered defeat on Matchday 11 — but Real Sociedad will fancy their chances against inconsistent Real Betis.
Los Verdiblancos have won just one of their last five LaLiga fixtures (drawn two, lost two), while the hosts’ loss at Real Valladolid last Saturday snapped a run of eight consecutive victories in all competitions.
Betis are unbeaten in their last five encounters with Imanol Alguacil’s men though, not conceding in any of their last three meetings.
But they will need to watch out for Sociedad’s creator-in-chief Mikel Merino. He has conjured four assists in the competition this term, with only Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele (five) managing more.
Cadiz vs Atletico Madrid (Saturday, 3.15pm)
Antoine Griezmann struck twice against Real Betis on Matchday 11
Atletico Madrid will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Saturday, after their continental hopes were crushed in dramatic fashion.
Yannick Carrasco missed a stoppage-time penalty in midweek, as a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen sent Atleti tumbling out of the Champions League.
However, they should have a good chance of bouncing back against Cadiz, who have failed to win any of their last seven home league games against the Colchoneros (drawn three, lost four).
And Diego Simeone’s unit have been imperious on the road in LaLiga, collecting a sensational 16 points from the 18 available in 2022-23 (won five, drawn one).
Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal (Sunday, 5.30pm)
The last meeting between Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal was a close-fought contest that ended in a 1-1 draw
It has been a tumultuous week for Villarreal, with manager Unai Emery leaving the Yellow Submarine to join Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
He has been replaced in the dugout by former Barcelona boss Quique Setien, who will be hoping to compound Athletic Bilbao’s poor run of form.
The Basque club are without a win in four games but have a solid record against Sunday’s visitors.
Los Leones have avoided defeat in their most recent seven meetings with Villarreal (won two, drawn five), while the Castellon club have struggled on the road this season — failing to win or score during their last five away LaLiga matches (drawn two, lost three).
Spanish side Valencia is working on a new contract for United States international of Ghanaian decent Yunus Musah.
The 19-year-old, who opted to represent the USA at the expense of Ghana has been in a rich vein of form since Gennaro Gattuso took over the managerial job at Valencia.
He has registered two assists in six appearances this season.
Musah is now a target for clubs in Europe as they seek to strengthen their squad in the next transfer window.
Footballghana.com understands that Arsenal, Liverpool and Juventus are keeping tabs on the enterprising winger following his explosive start to the campaign.
In the bid to ward off interest from clubs, the Spanish giants has set sights on awarding the player an improved contract.
Musah, who is valued at $27.5 million current contract with the Spanish outfit is expected to expire in the summer of 2026.
He is the fifth most expensive American player behind Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and Weston McKennie.
One person died Saturday and 17 have been injured, three of them seriously, after a stage collapsed at a music festival near Valencia, Spain, according to local officials.
Disasterstruck at the Medusa Festival in the town of Cullera near Valencia at 4:18 a.m. local time “due to a strong gust of wind,” they said.
The man killed was 22 years old, the Spanish Civil Guard told CNN.
The Civil Guard, Spain’s paramilitary police unit that is in charge of the investigation, also said there was more damage than just the partial collapse of the stage.
“Due to a strong gust of wind, the main entrance and the main stage of the Medusa Festival in Cullera fell to the ground,” a spokesperson in Valencia told CNN.
There were about 50,000 people at the festival site when the incident happened, it said, adding that it took 40 minutes to evacuate people from the festival, with the exit doors functioning properly.
Ximo Puig, president of the Valencia regional government, offered condolences to the victim’s family and friends in a Saturday tweet.
“A terrible accident that shocks all of us. I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the young man who died early this morning at the Medusa Festival in Cullera,” Puig said.
Early Saturday morning, festival management announced that they had suspended the festival.
“Due to inclement weather occurring in the early hours of Aug. 13, 2022, and with the aim of guaranteeing the security of the concert-goers, workers and artists gathered at the Medusa Festival, the festival organization suspends its activity for the time being,” festival management said on Instagram.
“The festival site is cleared as a preventative measure with the aim of facilitating the work of the emergency and security services at the Medusa Festiva,” it added.
Videos posted on social media early Saturday showed strong winds and structures falling from the stage as large crowds of festival attendees were evacuated.
The Valencia section of Spain’s national weather service (AEMET) said on Twitter that warm breezes were producing very strong gusts of wind and abrupt increases in temperature.
Around 3 a.m. local time, the temperature was a blistering 40.5 Celsius (104.9 degrees Fahrenheit) at the Alicante-Elche airport, just south of the concert site, on the Mediterranean coast — with winds measuring 82 kilometers (around 50 miles) per hour.
Temperatures have been soaring across Europe with droughts declared in several parts of England and wildfires in France.
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