VALENCIA’s LaLiga clash with Real Madrid has been postponed following devastating floods in Spain.
More than a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours in some regions around Valencia this week, leaving at least 95 people dead.
GettyValencia’s game on Saturday with Real Madrid has been postponed[/caption]
APThe Valencia region has been hit by horrendous flooding, washing away cars and bridges[/caption]
APMore than 95 people have been killed, with a huge rescue operation underway[/caption]
EPAResidents are facing a mammoth clean-up operation after the storms[/caption]
Valencia were due to host second-placed Madrid at the Mestalla on Saturday night.
But in a statement, the club announced the game has now been postponed by LaLiga.
It read: “Valencia has received confirmation of the postponement of the match of Matchday 12 of La Liga, initially scheduled for this Saturday, November 2.
“[This is] 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 convey our deepest condolences and our love to the families, friends of the deceased and those affected by this catastrophe that leaves us devastated and that puts football on a secondary.”
As yet, no new date for the game has been confirmed.
The floods have hit areas in the south and east of the country hardest.
Torrential rain fell in the provinces of Valencia and Malaga, causing flash flooding and overflowing rivers.
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Cars and bridges have been swept away by the flood waters, with hundreds trapped and requiring rescue from the air.
Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, a native of the area, spoke of his “heartbreak” in a social media post on Wednesday.
He wrote: “My heart breaks seeing my people and my homeland, Valencia, devastated by the floods.
“I know it’s no consolation, but I want to send all my encouragement and support to the victims and their families from here.
“Stay strong, Valencia.”
Villarreal’s top-flight clash with Rayo Vallecano has also been postponed.
Three games in the lower leagues have also been abandoned, with replay dates yet to be confirmed.
They include Castellon vs Ferrol, Eldense vs Huesca and Levante vs Malaga.