PACO ROIG [FORMER VALENCIA COACH] ON GARY NEVILLE

 

COPA DEL REY | MOST WINNERS

 

VR46 STAR MAKES INTRIGUING COMPARISON AFTER DEBUT MOTOGP TEST

Celestino Vietti offered some interesting feedback on the VR46 MotoGP bike after the Valencia test

 

Celestino Vietti, VR46 Ducati, 2025 Valencia test
© Gold and Goose
 

VR46 Academy star Celestino Vietti says the Ducati MotoGP bike he tried on Tuesday at the Valencia test required a riding style “more or less similar” to Moto2.

The Italian was called up by the VR46 squad on Sunday night to stand in for Franco Morbidelli in Tuesday’s Valencia MotoGP test, after the latter injured his wrist in a bizarre startline crash.

Vietti completed 24 laps on the Desmosedici at a best time of 1m32.511s, which was 3.138s off the best pace and 1.314s behind 2026 MotoGP rookie Diogo Moreira.

Rookies always make note of the difference in power and braking performance on a MotoGP bike compared to what they are used to in Moto2.

However, Vietti noted that the braking zones for a MotoGP bike were the same as he used in Moto2, while the way of actually riding was very similar too.

“It was a really special day, a day I will never forget,” he said.

“The bike is impressively fast on the straights, but also the power of the brakes to stop the bike is really impressive.

“You brake like Moto2, but a lot, lot faster.

“So, it was really a special day. I want to say thanks to everybody: Ducati, VR46, and my team in Moto2. I’m so sorry for Franco, who had to miss the test.

“It’s really physical, especially the braking, because you arrive really fast, but the metres you stop the bike are more or less the same [as Moto2].

“The handling I was expecting it to be stiffer, but the bike is light and you can ride it in a really good way, more or less like Moto2.

“So, I didn’t do a lot of laps, so I feel good. Maybe if I did more laps I’d be more tired.”

He added: “Now the Moto2 with the Triumph engine, you have to pick it up, you have to do the drive, a lot of corner speed - a bit more than MotoGP, but it’s something similar.

“So, more or less, the riding style is similar.”

Next year will be the 24-year-old’s sixth season in Moto2, with his performances so far not doing enough to earn a promotion to the premier class.

Asked if he felt this test would boost his immediate MotoGP hopes, he replied: “I don’t think so.

“It’s a present from the team; I really appreciate it.

“Maybe it’s more an extra motivation for me to try to do well in Moto2 and try to have the opportunity to ride it more.”

 - Peter McLaren

SPRINT WINNER | ÁLEX MARQUEZ | VALENCIA MOTOGP

 

MARCO BEZZECCHI TAKE LAST POLE POSITION OF 2025 | VALENCIA MOTOGP.

 

TRIBUTE TO LOYALTY ❤️‍🔥 THE STATUE IN HONOR OF THE BLIND FAN WHO WENT TO ALL THE VALENCIA CF GAMES

 

A TRIBUTE TO LOYALTY ❤️‍🔥  

Vicente Navarro Aparicio was a legendary fan of Valencia CF. His love for the club was so profound that he attended every home game without fail. 

Not even the loss of his sight stopped him from going to the stadium; he continued to cheer from the stands. Though he couldn't see, his son would narrate each play, and he celebrated with the crowd as if he were watching it all unfold.  

In 2016, Vicente passed away at the age of 88. 

Yet, his presence at the stadium never faded. In a heartfelt tribute to his unwavering loyalty to the club he adored, a statue was erected in his honor, placed at seat 164, row 15, in the main stand.  

Vicente will always be there, cheering on.

LAMINE YAMAL PRACTICALLY RULED OUT OF BARCELONA'S UCL OPENER VS NEWCASTLE

Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images

FC Barcelona were dealt a major blow ahead of their La Liga game against Valencia as Hansi Flick confirmed Lamine Yamal will miss the match due to injury.

The 18-year-old wonderkid returned with discomfort from national team duty and did not take part in training today. Soon after, Flick announced in the press conference that the wonderkid will be unavailable tomorrow.

Lamine almost ruled out of Newcastle

Now, according to Javi Miguel of AS, Lamine Yamal is now ‘practically ruled out’ of the game against Newcastle United next week.

The report confirms that the La Masia prodigy returned from international duty with Spain carrying discomfort in his pubis after pushing himself in matches against Bulgaria and Turkey.

Having skipped team training all week to work in the gym, his pain has not eased, and the medical staff decided not to risk him vs Valencia.

Set to miss Newcastle United clash? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Now, his chances of featuring in Thursday’s UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle at St. James’ Park are also extremely slim.

Flick must therefore rethink his starting XI, with Yamal having been the undisputed presence on the right flank last season.

One of the options is to put Raphinha on the right flank and utilise Marcus Rashford on the left. Meanwhile, summer signing Roony Bardghji, finally registered and available, could step in and potentially make his long-awaited debut.

Elsewhere, Frenkie de Jong will also miss the Valencia match but is expected back for the Newcastle trip, having already rejoined group training on Saturday.

Marc Bernal, meanwhile, has received medical clearance after a year-long absence. Gavi, Alejandro Balde, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain unavailable.

- Michel Durant

IMPENDING ARSENAL SIGNING SET TO JOIN NEW TEAMMATES FOR PRE-SEASON TOUR

Cristhian Mosquera is flying to join his new teammates for Arsenal's pre-season tour

Mosquera is set to join the squad | Alex Grimm/GettyImages

Time to get those flight trackers back out! Impending Arsenal signing Cristhian Mosquera is flying to Singapore to join up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour, according to the Athletic.

The Gunners have spent the past few days finalising a move for the young defender after it was expected the deal would be officially announced late last week.

Impending Arsenal signing set to join new teammates for pre-season tour.

He is now en route to Singapore having taken a flight from Heathrow Airport this morning, meaning he will be ready to join up with the Arsenal squad ahead of tomorrow's tie against AC Milan.

Cristhian Mosquera flying to Singapore for pre-season tour

🚨✈️ Cristhian Mosquera flying to Singapore to join Arsenal's tour squad.

21-year-old spent recent days finalising his move to #AFC, which will be confirmed soon. Now travelling to join Arteta's touring party.

w/ @GuillermoRai_ for @TheAthleticFC

🔴⚪🇸🇬https://t.co/BqZD0mr69b

— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) July 22, 2025

Mosquera flew to London last week with the anticipation his move would be announced in time for him to travel with the squad to Singapore on Saturday. However, the deal wasn't confirmed, meaning he had to wait.

He spent the past few days finalising his move from boyhood club Valencia and has been given the green light to join his new teammates in Asia. Mosquera took a flight from Heathrow earlier today.

However, there is still yet to be an official announcement from Arsenal or Valencia, meaning that will likely come while the defender is still in the air, or once he has landed. Given the lack of confirmation and the 13-hour flight from England to Singapore, he is unlikely to feature in tomorrow's pre-season opener against AC Milan.

Mosquera will probably have to wait to make his Gunners debut, but it will still be a blessing for Mikel Arteta to have his new addition at his disposal for ties against Newcastle and Tottenham.

It will also allow him time to settle in with his new teammates before they return to England to face Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao as their final preparations for the new Premier League campaign.

Fans will just be glad to see that this signing is finally close. Mosquera flying to Singapore not only means that his announcement should be imminent, but he should also get some chances to play with for his new side before they begin their title-chasing season.

- Lennie Teague

ARSENAL APPEAR TO ACCIDENTALLY LEAK FIFTH SUMMER SIGNING IN A MAJOR GAFFE DURING NONI MADUEKE UNVEILING

Arsenal appear to have inadvertently leaked the signing of centre-back Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

The Gunners' gaffe occured when annoucing the arrival of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke in a £52million deal.

Madueke joined the club from their London rivals on Friday and images of him in his new gear were shared online.

However, it was amongst those pictures that eagle-eyed fans spotted an error on the Getty Images website.

Getty is a visual media company that also supplys stock images and photos from throughout the footballing world are usually taken by their photograpers and uploaded to their site.

When it comes to new signings, fresh images of them taken during their first day typically appear soon after the announcement.

In Arsenal's case, they ended up leaking a separate deal.

Madueke was officially announced as an Arsenal player on Friday Credit: ARSENAL.COM

Along with the photos of Madueke, supporters also managed to find a picture of Mosquera, who the Gunners have agreed to sign in a deal worth around £18m, undergoing his arrival interview.

It shows Mosquera sat under a spotlight, with a member of the Gunners' media team sat across from him.

The leak instantly spread around social media before it was then eventually removed from Getty Images.

Removal came too late though, as the picture was quickly shared on X.

Reporter Chris Davison wrote: "As others have pointed out, Cristhian Mosquera's Arsenal interview was accidentally uploaded with Madueke's photos on Getty Images."

Valencia defender Mosquera is set to join Arsenal in a deal worth around £18mCredit: Getty

Fans then responded in the replies, with one saying: "Might as well announce him now then."

"This surely has to be confirmed now. So obvious," another wrote.

A third posted: "Announce him now what's to hide."

Mosquera has rejected interest from other Premier League clubs, including Bournemouth, to join Arsenal instead.

It seems he has now completed his £18m move and the announcement can be expected soon after this leak.

The Spaniard will provide some depth at the back for Mikel Arteta, where he will cover for William Saliba and Gabriel.

Mosquera will become Arsenal's fifth summer signing, following Madueke's arrival at the Emirates.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have all also joined the club over the last few weeks.

Viktor Gyokeres may be the next to become a Gunner too.

The saga surrounding his move to the Premier League continues to roll on, but Arsenal are getting closer to getting the deal done.

Arteta is bolstering his squad ahead of another title push after coming second yet again in the top-flight last season.

His side begin their 2024/25 campaign away at Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17.

- Jack Johnson

CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA MAKES EMOTIONAL CONFESSION AHEAD OF ARSENAL TRANSFER

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

Cristhian Mosquera has opened up on the emotional strain of leaving Valencia ahead of his transfer to Arsenal.

The Spanish club appear to have failed in their attempts to convince the defender to sign a new contract and remain with them.

After seeing at least one offer rejected, Arsenal are now understood to have made a significant breakthrough in negotiations with Valencia and are on the verge of making another significant addition to their squad.

Mosquera is booked in for a medical that is due to take place at the Gunners’ London Colney training base on Tuesday ahead of his €20million move.

Speaking from his car as he left Valencia for the final time, he said: ‘Valencia is my home and it always will be.

When asked about his departure, Mosquera added: ‘I prefer the club to talk first , and then whatever happens, it will happen. It’s exciting, but it’s also sad.’

Despite the emotional wrench of leaving his boyhood club, the 21-year-old was steadfast in his determination to join Arsenal.

- James Goldman

Aside from the efforts made by Valencia to keep the Spain Under-23 international, Mosquera also received interest from clubs in Italy as well as Bournemouth who are looking to replace Dean Huijsen.

Mosquera’s desire to be part of Mikel Arteta’s project is admirable given the competition he is likely to face for a place in Arsenal’s first team.

Who will Cristhian Mosquera replace at Arsenal?

Gabriel Magalhaes, who has just signed a new long-term contract, and William Saliba form arguably the most impressive central defensive partnership in Europe,while Riccardo Calafiori is expected to figure more prominently this term.

REAL MADRID 1-2 VALENCIA | ENGLISH DUB POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

 

BARCELONA DRAW TO INCREASE LALIGA LEAD AFTER REAL MADRID STUMBLE

Real Madrid earlier conceded deep into added time to lose 2-1 at home to Valencia.

Barcelona failed to break down a frantic Real Betis defence as they were held to a 1-1 draw.
© AFP

Barcelona failed to break down a frantic Real Betis defence as they were held to a 1-1 draw in La Liga on Saturday but still gained ground on Real Madrid who earlier conceded deep into added time to lose 2-1 at home to Valencia. Barcelona moved four points ahead of Real Madrid atop La Liga. Both teams face Champions League first-leg ties this week, Real visit Arsenal on Tuesday and Barcelona play in Dortmund the following evening. Barcelona cut open Betis in the seventh minute and Gavi slid the ball past goalkeeper Adrian from inside the six-yard box.

But the hosts were unable to turn a series of lively attacks into goals. Instead the visitors hit back after 16 minutes when centreback Natan Souza escaped the clutches of his defender to head home a Giovani Lo Celso corner.

Barcelona besieged the Betis goal in the second half but were denied by a combination of dogged defending, strong goalkeeping from Adrian and some agonising near misses.

Wojciech Szczesny did not have to make a save until the 88th minute when he turned away a long-range drive by Natan.

With Betis playing for time, Barcelona did not leave themselves exposed to a late counter-attack as they played out a draw that bolstered their lead at the top.  

"If we had won we would be further clear, but in the end it's football," Gavi told Movistar.  "The draw leaves a bitter taste, because we were unable to take advantage of the chances we had."

The draw lifted Betis to fifth.

'Lots of chances'

"La Liga is more complicated, but we have to fight until the last game," said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"They didn't need to do much to score two goals," said Ancelotti. "We took risks at the end and found ourselves hit on the counter-attack.

"We've had deserved defeats this season, but I don't think we lacked attitude today," he added. "It's not a deserved defeat. We created lots of chances but lacked a little effectiveness."

The victory lifted Valencia to 15th, seven points clear of the bottom three.

Real had an early chance to take control when Valencia's Cesar Tarrega was adjudged to have fouled Kylian Mbappe in the penalty area, but Giorgi Mamardashvili saved a weak spot-kick from Vinicius Junior.

It was the Brazilian's second consecutive miss from the spot for Real, after he wasted a Champions League penalty against Atletico Madrid.

Within a minute Valencia went up the other end and won a corner. From it Mouctar Diakhaby outjumped Antonio Rudiger and rocketed home a header.

Real levelled after 50 minutes when Vinicius tapped over the line in a scramble following a Real corner. It was his 104th goal for Los Blancos, matching Brazilian compatriot Ronaldo.

Real gave a lacklustre performance, nevertheless, Mbappe carved out enough chances to win, but wasted opportunities in the 36th, 37th, 48th, 49th and 68th minutes.

Valencia's Georgian goalkeeper Mamardashvili was in imperious form keeping his team in the game until Duro delivered his winner.

Valencia stunned the dominant hosts deep into injury time when a slick countering-attacking move was emphatically finished by Duro from Rafa Mir's cross.

Ancelotti started third-choice 'keeper Fran Gonzalez following injuries to Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, although the Ukrainian was fit enough to be named on the bench.

In addition to Arsenal, Ancelotti has to focus on the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 in Seville.

"The match against Barca in the Copa del Rey will be different; they'll attack more, and we'll have to be better at the back and be effective up front," the Italian said.

- Agence France-Presse

KINGS OF EUROPE | ALK-TIME CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TABLE | SINCE 1992/93 SEASON

 

COPA DEL RAY SEMI-FINAL DRAW: BARCELONA BECOMES FINAL SEMI-FINALIST; DATE AND TIME FOR DRAW REVEALED

Barcelona defeated Valencia to secure the final spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, joining Real Madrid in the last four stage. With the lineup now complete, all eyes turn to the upcoming semi-final draw. Here’s when and where the Copa del Rey semi-final draw will take place.

Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yama scored as Barcelona thumped Valencia. Image: AP

Barcelona crushed Valencia 5-0 with Ferran Torres scoring a hat-trick as the La Blaugrana on Thursday became the fourth and final team to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Besides Torres, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal also scored a goal each at the Mestalla as the record 31-time Spanish Cup winners stayed on course for another trophy.

Real Sociedad also advanced to the Copa del Rey semi-finals on the same day with a 2-0 win over Osasuna, who had Alejandro Catena sent off. The other two teams in the last four round are Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Copa del Rey semi-final draw

Before we bring you match reports from Barcelona and Real Sociedad games, let’s take a look at when the Copa del Rey semi-final draw will take place.

The Copa del Rey semi-final draw will take place on 12 February (Wednesday) at the office of the Spanish Football Federation. The draw will take place at 1 pm CET (5.30 pm IST; 7 am ET).

The semi-finals will be played over two legs. The first legs will take place on 25,26 or 27 February with the return legs happening on 1,2 or 3 April.

How Barcelona defeated Valencia 

Ferran Torres hit a hat-trick as Barcelona routed Valencia 5-0 on Thursday to cruise into the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal were also on target for the record 31-time Spanish Cup winners as they swaggered to victory at an upset Mestalla stadium.

Earlier Real Sociedad progressed with a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man Osasuna, joining Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in a strong final four.

Former Valencia forward Torres took the plaudits with his treble inside 30 minutes, taking full advantage of Barca coach Hansi Flick’s decision to rest striker Robert Lewandowski.

“We thought that it would be a very difficult game, because here at Mestalla is always a hard ground to play,” Torres told TVE.

“We had the luck that we scored goals early and in the end that sunk them.”

The Spaniard netted in the third minute, running onto a fine Alejandro Balde through ball and finishing clinically against his former side.

Torres netted the second after 17 minutes when teenage winger Yamal’s shot bounced off the post back into his path.

Lopez put Barcelona three up midway through the first half with a well-timed run expertly found by Pedri Gonzalez, rounding goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski and tucking home.

Torres completed his hat-trick after half-an-hour with an accurate low finish after Raphinha teed him up on the edge of the box.

The former Manchester City winger’s bright display offered food for thought, with Barcelona scoring at least five goals in the last four games where veteran Polish striker Lewandowski has not started.

Some Valencia fans started leaving the Mestalla stadium in anger, a constant theme around the club with owner Peter Lim criticised by supporters with chants and banners.

This was Valencia’s second thrashing at Barca’s hands in the space of two weeks, after the Catalans triumphed 7-1 at home in La Liga.

‘Suffer like this’ 

Valencia had a rare moment of cheer at the start of the second half when Umar Sadiq found the net but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The gangly Nigerian striker then won a penalty but that too was scrapped after he was shown to be offside again in the build-up.

At the other end Yamal struck the post again but this time the ball flew out and to safety for Valencia.

The 17-year-old Spain star got his goal eventually with a low effort which took a small deflection and beat Dimitrievski, who could still have kept it out.

“I’m really happy with the team, how they played, we created chances and scored them from the beginning and that helped us a lot,” Flick told TVE.

“(Attacking) is the style we want to play in, you know the hunger the team has to go for the next goal… it’s a young team and they focus on scoring goals.”

Valencia are 19th in La Liga, four points from safety and Torres said he hoped they could survive in the top flight.

“I hope Valencia save themselves because in the end I’m just another fan,” added the forward.

“It’s hard to see the club of your youth and your life suffer like this, they’re really going through it.”

Valencia coach Carlos Corberan said his team had been left hurt by the defeat.

“It’s a very tough loss, especially hard because we feel the same as we did after the league game, but in front of our fans at Mestalla,” he said.

“We have to give a better account of ourselves… the fans deserve a lot more than what we have been capable of.”

In San Sebastian Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Mendez struck for hosts Real Sociedad before Osasuna had Alejandro Catena sent off for a wild challenge after 35 minutes.

Osasuna beat the same opposition 2-1 in La Liga on Sunday but Catena’s dismissal effectively ended any hope of mounting a comeback.

La Real reached the Copa semi-finals for the third time in six seasons, last winning in the 2020 edition.

- FP Sports

PACO ROIG (FORMER VALENCIA PRESIDENT) ON GARY NEVILLE

 

JUDE BELLINGHAM GRABS REAL MADRID LATE VALENCIA WIN AFTER VINÍCIUS RED

AFP

Jude Bellingham made amends for missing a penalty by snatching 10-man Real Madrid a 2-1 victory at Valencia on Friday to take them top of La Liga after winger Vinicius Junior was sent off.

Jude Bellingham made amends for missing a penalty by snatching 10-man Real Madrid a 2-1 victory at Valencia on Friday to take them top of La Liga after winger Vinicius Junior was sent off. Huro Duro sent the hosts ahead in the first half of a feisty clash but Luka Modric levelled for Carlo Ancelotti's side before Bellingham pounced in stoppage time. Vinicius, who squared off with Valencia supporters who racially abused him at the same stadium in 2022, was dismissed for shoving Los Che goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the back of the neck with little over 10 minutes remaining.

Madrid were trailing at the time but Bellingham set up veteran midfielder Modric to level in the 85th minute and spark a superb comeback.

Bellingham broke in to strike in the 96th minute after a Valencia defensive error, sending Madrid two points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, having played a game more than Diego Simeone's team.

"(Bellingham had a) great game, he didn't dip after the missed penalty, it gave him extra motivation," said Ancelotti.

"He made an extraordinary effort... (scoring) was a reward for him for the game he had."

Ancelotti said he did not think Vinicius' push deserved a red card and was surprised by his team's poor start to the match.

"We didn't think it was a red card... he went off and the team reacted, to the red, the missed penalty.

"It's hard to explain how badly we did in the first half and how good we did in the second, even with 10 men.

"It's three very important points, deserved, but we can't show these two sides (of ourselves)."

Los Blancos' trip to face Valencia was postponed at the end of October after devastating flooding in the region on Spain's east coast.

Sitting 19th, Valencia appointed Carlos Corberan to replace former coach Ruben Baraja during the winter break, pinching the Spaniard from English Championship club West Bromwich Albion.

The hosts made a strong start, shackling Madrid's star-studded attack before making the breakthrough after 27 minutes.

Dimitri Foulquier cut the ball back for Javi Guerra, whose shot was superbly saved by Thibaut Courtois but Duro turned the rebound into the empty net.

'Thanks team'

Mbappe was kept silent in the first half but a burst of pace in behind early in the second earned Madrid a penalty, when Tarrega was adjudged to have brought him down.

Bellingham was tasked with dispatching the spot kick but jumped just before he struck the ball and skidded a low effort against the post.

Replays indicated Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was off his line when the penalty was taken, but it was not spotted by the officials.

Mbappe, who missed two penalties for Madrid before Christmas himself, thought he had pulled Los Blancos level when he skipped around Dimitrievski and tucked home, but he was fractionally offside.

Madrid were reduced to 10 men when Vinicius shoved Dimitrievski in the back of the neck after Valencia's goalkeeper had pushed him, after the Brazilian hit the deck under a fair challenge in the box.

Despite their numerical disadvantage Madrid pulled level when Bellingham nudged the ball through for substitute Modric, 39, to stab home.

The former Borussia Dortmund man snatched the winner when Foulquier's poor pass put team-mate Hugo Guillamon under pressure, and Bellingham raced on to his attempted back pass to finish with aplomb.

It was his sixth goal in his last seven games across all competitions, with Bellingham once again showing the goalscoring form that helped him become an instant hit with Madrid last season.

"Sorry and thanks team," said Vinicius on social media platform X after his colleagues spared his blushes.

Valencia's Luis Rioja struck the post with a vicious effort from distance in the 100th minute, inches away from snatching his side a last-gasp draw.

Valencia, who have not won in La Liga since November, are four points from safety.

"I don't care (about scoring), the important thing was the three points and we didn't get them," said goalscorer Duro.

"I hope I don't score a single goal in the rest of the season and we win the rest of our games 1-0 with an own goal."

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

- Agence France-Presse

#RACINGFORVALENCIA | MOTOGP CONTRIBUTES MORE THAN €1.5

 

REAL MADRID'S ANCELOTTI: 'FOOTBALL HAS TO STOP' AMID SPAIN FLOODS

RealMadrid.com

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said all football in Spain should have been put on hold after flash floods in Valencia left at least 217 people dead.

Madrid's LaLiga game at Valencia -- which was due to be played on Saturday -- was postponed, along with Villarreal's game with Rayo Vallecano, but the remaining eight top-flight matches in Spain went ahead.

LaLiga has been collaborating with the Red Cross to raise money for those affected by the flooding, after thousands of homes and businesses were damaged, and transport links disrupted, in one of the most severe natural disasters in recent Spanish history.

"It's been a week of tragedy, and we're sad," Ancelotti said in a news conference on Monday. "We're very close to Valencia and all the affected towns. Hopefully it can be resolved soon. Talking about football is difficult, and so is playing football. We are part of this country, and it affects us a lot."

Madrid, whose appearance saw them beaten 4-0 by Barcelona on Oct. 26, host AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"Your head isn't in your work," Ancelotti said, when asked if it had been difficult to prepare. "We are going to prepare for the game, because we're professionals. That's what we have to do."

A number of players and coaches have suggested that no professional football should have taken place in Spain over the weekend, with Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone saying the decision to continue "makes no sense."

"Everyone has been clear," Ancelotti said. "Nobody wanted to play. But we are not the ones in charge. Those at the top make the decision ... Football is a party, and you can celebrate and have a party when you're OK.

"When people are not OK, you don't have to party. Football has to stop. Because it is the most important of the least important things."

"The power we have is equal to zero," Ancelotti added. "All the coaches wanted to stop the games. Some played, others did not. The decision-making power of the coach, in these cases, is equal to zero."

"The coach is absolutely right," full-back Lucas Vázquez said. "Our opinion is zero, our strength is zero. We have to be professional, and do what we are told."

Ancelotti denied that forward Vinícius Júnior has been affected by missing out on the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or, which was won by Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri last week, with Vinícius second.

"He's doing fine," Ancelotti said. "Fortunately we didn't play on Saturday and Vinicius has trained well, like everyone else ... Vinicius is sad, not because of the Ballon d'Or, but because he's seeing the situation in Valencia."

- Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez

VALENCIA-REAL MADRID AMONG GAMES POSTPONED AMID FATAL FLOODS

Real Madrid's LaLiga match at Valencia on Saturday has been postponed because of the deadly flash floods in Spain.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Thursday that all games this weekend in the Valencian region will be rescheduled as per LaLiga's request.

The Spanish government declared three days of mourning with at least 150 people dead and "many people" missing following the worst natural disaster to hit Spain this century.

Saturday's LaLiga game between Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano and Levante's second division home game against Malaga on Monday have also been postponed.

Valencia's city centre was affected by the flash floods. Alex Juarez/Anadolu via Getty Images

Two games in Liga F have also been cancelled, including Real Madrid's game against Levante.

LaLiga and its clubs pledged on Thursday to help raise funds for the Red Cross to support those affected by the flash floods, publicising a campaign during match broadcasts this weekend and through their social media accounts.

"Spain's professional football joins the condolences and expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims and the missing," LaLiga said in a statement on Thursday.

Real Madrid announced they would also collaborate with the Red Cross and donate €1 million ($1.09 million).

"The Real Madrid Foundation and the Red Cross have today launched a fundraising campaign to support those affected by the storm and the club have decide to support this campaign with a donation of one million euros to help the many families who are in a critical situation and need all our help and solidarity," the Spanish champions said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the RFEF rescheduled Valencia's Copa del Rey match at Parla that was due to be played on Wednesday.

Before Valencia's training session on Wednesday, the squad observed a moment of silence at its training center in honour of the victims. Some of the team's players were absent because of the transportation difficulties caused by the storms.

The club said they joined forces with the Valencia Food Bank, and their stadium became "a deposit for food and basic needs."

"Mestalla will be at the service of the city to cope with the emergency caused by the [floods]."

The death toll was expected to rise as an unknown number of people were still missing. Search efforts were ongoing and some vehicles with bodies were yet to be reached. The aftermath of the floods from late Tuesday to early Wednesday looked eerily similar to the damage left by a hurricane or tsunami, with cars piled up alongside uprooted trees and downed power lines.

LaLiga announced that a minute's silence will be observed ahead of all games to be played this weekend to show respect for the victims of the devastating flash floods.

Madrid are second in LaLiga, six points adrift of Barcelona, who host Espanyol in Sunday's city derby.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

- Adriana Garcia

VALENCIA FANS RALLY AGAINST PETER LIM IN LAS PALMAS DEFEAT

Valencia fans protest | Image: X/screengrab

Thousands of Valencia fans protested against owner Peter Lim and the reported detention of two fans in Lim's home country of Singapore before and after its 3-2 loss to Las Palmas in LaLiga on Monday.

Dani Cuesta and his wife were detained in Singapore almost three weeks ago after Cuesta reportedly held up anti-Lim signs.

Valencia fans have been protesting Lim's management of their club for years.

The millionaire businessman bought Valencia in 2014 but supporters have been angered by what they feel is his absentee ownership, and thousands rallied outside Mestalla Stadium before the game.

Thousands more returned after a defeat that left Valencia bottom of La Liga with just one win in 10 matches.

The game started well for the home side with Pepelu putting Valencia ahead from the penalty spot after 14 minutes.

But Alex Muñoz equalized for Las Palmas three minutes before halftime and on-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Fábio Silva put it 2-1 ahead seven minutes into the second period.

Pepelu was sent off for an off-the-ball incident after 69 minutes and Alberto Moleiro added a third for Las Palmas soon after.

César Tárrega got a goal back in stoppage time for Valencia but it was too little too late and Las Palmas celebrated a surprise first win this season and its first in La Liga since February.

The victory lifted it above Valencia on goal difference and off the bottom of the table.

- Associated Press