Farmers and ranchers in Spain have brought major roads, highways, and regional routes to a standstill by using their tractors to demand improvements in the agricultural sector. Operating under the slogan “Without agriculture and without livestock, your table is empty,” these protests have led to significant disruptions in various autonomous communities. The mobilizations have even affected the plans of several futsal teams that had scheduled matches.
During the national team break, First Division clubs are utilizing the time to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the competition resuming on February 14. The Spanish Super Cup champion, Jimbee Cartagena, had to cancel its trip to face Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares, originally scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Coach Eduardo Sao Thiago, Duda, had already made the call, but both the Melonero club and the player from La Mancha agreed to suspend the match.
The Cartagena squad faced the risk of being stranded on the road.
While trying to leave the Region of Murcia for the town of Manzanares, located just over 300 kilometers away. Similar decisions were made by the Córdoba World Heritage Site and the Viña Albali Valdepeñas regarding their friendly match. Scheduled for 9:00 p.m. this Wednesday in Vista Alegre. An ongoing protests and road closures are causing uncertainty, and the 196-kilometer journey could take an indefinite amount of time.
Latest canceled friendly match was between Real Betis and Jaén Paraíso Interior, slated for 8:00 p.m. at the Amate Sports Center in Seville. The Civil Guard advised the yellow team against making the trip to avoid road problems. ATP Tudelano Ribera Navarra is set to play a derby in Pamplona against Osasuna Magna in Anaitasuna at 7:00 p.m., while Family Cash Alzira and Servigroup Peñíscola are scheduled to meet at L’Olleria at 8:00 p.m.
The tractor-led strikes have also affected Kyrgyzstan, led by Spanish coach Lluis Bernat, currently in Spain for a preparation stage. The Kyrgyz expedition bus was immobilized in Salou on its way to Castellón to face Bisontes Playas. After being unable to play yesterday, they hope to conclude their tour in Santa Coloma with a match against Industrias on Thursday.
In contrast to the First Division, Second Division matches have not been halted due to the mobility challenges.
However, clubs are expressing concerns about the upcoming matchday on Saturday, February 10. They are reviewing their travel plans while anticipating potential preventive measures from the RFEF.
For instance, CD UMA Antequera is set to face Bisontes Playas de Castellón and plans to depart from Málaga on Friday without expecting any issues. The most challenging journeys include Melistar to Burela to face Pescados Rubén from Melilla and Unión África Ceutí to play against Wanapix Zaragoza.
O Parrulo Ferrol is scheduled to travel from one end of Spain to the other to face Atlético Mengíbar. They plan to depart on Thursday night. They are closely monitoring developments and will contact the RFEF for guidance. Full Energía Zaragoza will travel to Valencia to face Levante on matchday 19.
The Real Betis reserve team and CD Leganés are exceptions, as they will travel by plane to Barcelona and Ibiza, respectively, for their matches. Barça Atletic is also flying to Almería for their match against El Ejido. However, for many other sports, bus travel remains the sole means of transportation. A concern in the First and Second league women’s games, which could also be affected this weekend.
After suffering a defeat against Germany in the first friendly match, the Spanish National Team bounced back with a therapeutic 9-0 victory in the second encounter. This victory comes after a disappointing 3-2 loss in the historic first duel between the Spaniards and Germans last Sunday. Coach Fede Vidal expressed satisfaction, stating, “Today, we had success and consistency in the game. In the first game, we had 46 shots, with 29 on goal, but lacked the finishing success, determination, and offensive aggressiveness we displayed today.”