The upcoming Valencia vs Real Madrid match can be postponed due to severe flooding caused by the DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) weather system that has devastated parts of Spain, particularly the Valencian Community.
The storm has hit several regions, including Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Aragon, with the province of Valencia and the border with Albacete being especially hard-hit.
The flooding has led to widespread damage and has tragically claimed lives, prompting local authorities and football officials to take precautionary measures.
In response to the crisis, Valencia CF has requested the postponement of their match against Real Madrid, with LaLiga currently considering suspending all football activities across the Valencian Community. Other games under threat include the Levante vs Málaga match and several Copa del Rey fixtures, such as Parla Escuela vs Valencia and Pontevedra vs Levante, which have already been postponed.
The world of sport supports the victims of the DANA.
Minute of Silence – DANA
While the declaration of official mourning in the Valencian Community does not automatically suspend sporting events, it has heightened the sensitivity around the situation. Clubs, out of respect for the affected communities and in recognition of the ongoing emergency, have begun asking LaLiga to reschedule matches.
In a gesture of solidarity, LaLiga has announced that a minute of silence will be observed at all LaLiga EA SPORTS and LaLiga Hypermotion matches this week in memory of the victims of the storm. A press release from the league stated:
“LALIGA, in coordination with the RFEF, announces that this weekend a minute of silence will be held at all LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION matches, in memory of the victims of DANA. The institution expresses its condolences and those of all the clubs and SADs of Spanish football, to the family members and friends of the victims.”
The league also emphasized its support for the families of missing persons, sharing an emergency contact number for those seeking assistance. Football in Spain stands united in expressing its sorrow for the lives lost in this natural disaster, with clubs and fans alike rallying to show their respect for the victims.
For now, football takes a backseat as Valencia and surrounding areas recover from the tragic consequences of the storm. The rescheduled date for Valencia vs Real Madrid will be announced in due course, pending updates from LaLiga.
Vinicius Júnior Sends a Message of Support to DANA Victims
Vinicius Júnior was among the first footballers to offer support and condolences to those affected by the DANA storm, which has devastated regions including the Valencian Community, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Aragon. The Real Madrid star took to his official ‘X’ account (formerly Twitter) to share words of encouragement: “Lots of encouragement to everyone,” he wrote, echoing Real Madrid’s official statement on the tragedy.
Real Madrid also expressed its deep condolences, with the club, its president, and its Board of Directors extending their sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives due to the catastrophic flooding.
Results of DANA
The DANA storm has caused widespread devastation across southern and eastern Spain, resulting in at least 70 confirmed deaths. Of these, 68 occurred in Valencia, while one woman died in Mira (Cuenca) and another in Letur (Albacete), where five people remain missing.
The storm has left a trail of destruction, particularly in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula. The death toll could rise further as rescue operations continue. In the Valencian Community, where more than 1,000 UME (Unidad Militar de Emergencias) troops have been deployed, the “multiple victims procedure” was activated last night due to the scale of the disaster.
Emergency personnel are urging people to stay indoors and avoid travel as dangerous conditions persist. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to assist those affected by the floods.
The torrential rains have also caused widespread transportation disruptions, including traffic blockages, damage to crops, and the derailment of a high-speed train. Adif has suspended rail services on the high-speed line between Madrid and Valencia, and train service between Valencia and Barcelona has been interrupted. The Valencia metro remains closed, and several key roads, including parts of the A3 and A7 highways, the Torrent CV-36 motorway, and the V-30 and V-31, have been shut down.
In Castilla-La Mancha, another region severely impacted by the storm, one person has died in Mira (Cuenca) and another in Letur (Albacete), where search efforts for the five missing individuals are ongoing. Several educational centers in the region have also been closed, and road closures have been enforced due to the hazardous conditions.
The situation remains critical as rescue operations continue and authorities assess the full extent of the damage.
