- Real Madrid were due to face Valencia in La Liga on Saturday evening
- Fixture has been postponed on Thursday after a natural disaster
- Los Blancos have commented on the tragic events unfolding in Valencia
- Real Madrid were due to take to the field on Saturday evening but their La Liga clash with Valencia has now been officially postponed.
Los Blancos, who were handed a bruising 4-0 defeat by Barcelona in El Clasico last weekend, were scheduled to travel to the Mestalla for their 12th La Liga match of the season, but will now next be seen in the Champions League on Tuesday evening as they host Milan.
But why has Madrid’s trip to eastern Spain been called off? Here is the latest on the situation.
Madrid’s match against Valencia was postponed on Thursday due to fatal flash flooding in the city and surrounding region that has killed at least 95 people. Rescue workers continue to look for more victims in what has been called one of Spain’s worst natural disasters in decades.
Torrential rain started at the beginning of the week and has left the Valencian region in ruin, with buildings and homes heavily affected by the weather conditions.
As a result, the Spanish Football Federation has announced that all fixtures in the Valencian region have been postponed for the weekend, including Madrid’s trip to face Valencia on Saturday evening.
What have the clubs said about the postponement?
Valencia made a statement on Thursday regarding the fixture’s postponement, stating: “Valencia has received confirmation of the postponement of the La Liga Matchday 12 match, initially scheduled for this Saturday, November 2, due to the severity of the DANA that has left numerous fatalities and affected people in the province of Valencia.
“At this difficult time we wish to express our deepest condolences and our love to the families and friends of the deceased and those affected by this catastrophe that has left us devastated and has put football in the background.”
Madrid also released a statement, which read: “In view of the devastating situation caused by the DANA in many areas of our country, especially in the Comunidad Valenciana, the Real Madrid Foundation and the Cruz Roja have joined forces in a fundraising campaign aimed at supporting those affected.
“This catastrophe has placed many families in a critical situation and it is essential to act quickly and in solidarity. Every contribution can go a long way to helping those who have lost everything.
“Donations can be made through the following website.”
The eight La Liga matches going ahead this weekend will pay tribute to those who have lost their lives and been affected by the disastrous flooding, with a minute’s silence to be held before each fixture.
Madrid’s trip to Valencia is not the only postponement in Spanish football this weekend, with all matches in the Valencian region called off.
Villarreal were due to host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday several hours before Valencia vs Real Madrid, but that match has naturally been postponed. Levante’s Monday night game with Malaga in the Spanish second division has been abandoned, as have two other matches in the second tier.
In Liga F, Valencia’s home tie with Deportivo La Coruna and Levante’s trip to Real Madrid have been cancelled, too.
