Mestalla brimming with emotions running high | OneFootball

The hours and minutes passed and the moment was approaching. The players arrived in the dressing rooms and the fans were filling the stands. In the atmosphere, it was already clear that it would be one of those days that would remain in the hearts and minds of those present at Mestalla. And so it was. The various pre-match actions in tribute to the victims and those affected by the devastating flash floods in the Valencia region and Valencia CF's victory over Real Betis made the afternoon of 23 November 2024 unforgettable.

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The clock struck 1:44 pm, at which point the players from both teams retired from the warm-up to the tunnel. Meanwhile, Nino Bravo's ‘Mi Tierra’ accompanied some emotional images of the solidarity actions that the Valencian club has carried out during these tragic weeks. Thus, the tribute began.

After nine minutes, the players returned to the pitch, where another of the special moments of the afternoon took place. The teams took to the pitch accompanied by children from the 11 Escoles VCF (UD Aldaia, CD Utiel, Racing Algemesí CF, Mislata CF, CD Benifaió, EAF Valencia CF Alaquàs, SD Sueca, CF AT Sedaví, FBCD Catarroja, UDM La Hoya CF and Torrent CF) affected by the DANA, at the same time as numerous volunteers, who collaborated in the food collection at Mestalla, unfurled a large Senyera flag that covered the entire centre of the pitch.

Local singer Rei Ortolá performed the song ‘Voces de Valencia’ (Voices of Valencia) to make emotions run higher.

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Eyes began to water, the match was about to start, but there was still the final act. Previously, the group of children affected by the flash floods who became known for their play in the mud and hell of the devastated streets of Aldaia did not want to miss this special day. These little ones, accompanied by the players of both teams, wore black crepe on the pitch in memory of the victims of the flash floods.

The Valencia CF and Real Betis players, as well as the volunteers, then took their places on either side of the great Senyera flag and the Regional Anthem began to be played, interpreted by dolçaina and tabalet. The first note marked the unveiling of the large mosaic and the crowd surf banner with the slogan ‘Amunt, valencians’ and the names of the towns affected. Tears began to cover the faces of the players and the fans, although their hearts were finally broken in the subsequent minute's silence.

It was a historic and heartfelt pre-match, where the most important thing was to pay a respectful tribute to the victims and people affected by these dreadful flash floods that will always remain in our memory.

AMUNT, VALENCIANS. UNITED AS ALWAYS