Two La Liga games postponed due to the disaster in Valencia

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga announced the decision to postpone two major La Liga fixtures originally scheduled to take place in Valencia this weekend, including the high-profile Valencia-Real Madrid clash and Villarreal-Rayo Vallecano.

This decision reflects the growing concerns over severe weather conditions impacting several regions in Spain, particularly the Mediterranean coast, where Valencia has borne the brunt of a dangerous and disruptive meteorological event.

The weather phenomenon responsible, known as a “DANA” (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), has brought extreme weather in the form of intense, localized rainfall. Since Tuesday, the DANA has unleashed torrential rains, flash floods, and strong winds, which have overwhelmed drainage systems and caused significant disruptions in daily life, infrastructure, and public safety across Valencia and other affected regions. Local authorities are working around the clock to manage the aftermath and address immediate safety concerns, as the heavy rains have already led to evacuations, road closures, and damage to public and private property. The situation is particularly dire in Valencia, where extensive flooding has caused delays in transportation and serious concerns for the safety of large gatherings, making it impractical to proceed with this weekend’s matches.

In light of these developments, the RFEF has taken the additional step of postponing second-division matches in the region, ensuring that player, staff, and spectator safety remains the top priority amid the worsening conditions. This decision, while disruptive to the league schedule, reflects the commitment of Spanish football authorities to prioritize the well-being of everyone involved, particularly as emergency services continue to manage the challenges presented by this adverse weather.

Following the postponement, the RFEF has asked La Liga and the clubs involved Valencia, Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Rayo Vallecano to collaborate in proposing suitable rescheduling dates for the postponed matches. The new dates will depend on factors such as Valencia’s recovery from the storm, local infrastructure repair, and the logistics of rescheduling within an already packed La Liga calendar, which includes domestic league commitments and ongoing European competitions for some clubs. This rescheduling process underscores the coordination required between clubs and governing bodies to manage unexpected disruptions effectively while minimizing the impact on both players and fans.

The postponed matches reflect a broader impact on sports and events in Spain, where authorities are closely monitoring conditions and prioritizing public safety in response to the ongoing crisis. The unusual severity of this DANA highlights the increasingly volatile weather patterns affecting Southern Europe and their implications for major events in the region.