Mestalla witnessed one of the most emotional pre-match ceremonies in its history this Saturday, as Valencia CF paid tribute to those affected by the devastating storm. The homage, held before the match against Betis, featured a tifo covering the stands with the Senyera, the flag of the Valencian Community, and a massive banner displaying the slogan "Amunt, Valencians," alongside the names of all the affected towns.

A respectful and moving minute of silence concluded the tribute, during which the Senyera, on loan from Real Madrid after being displayed at the Santiago Bernabéu two weeks ago, was placed on the pitch. The flag was held by volunteers who had also supported relief efforts by donating essential goods to the food bank set up at Mestalla in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The club had requested its fans to arrive at Mestalla by 1:30 PM, half an hour before the match, to begin the tribute to over 200 victims and to honor emergency response teams and volunteers. As stated over the stadium’s public address system, these groups had demonstrated “a lesson in solidarity and love” over recent weeks.

A large black ribbon dominated Mestalla’s supporters’ section, while fans prominently displayed three elements: Senyera-themed shirts, predominantly black clothing, and banners showing support for the more than 60 municipalities devastated by the disaster.

Fifteen minutes before kickoff, the tributes continued. As the players left the field after their warm-up, a commemorative video was displayed on the stadium’s screens. Shortly after, 80 volunteers entered the pitch from the southern corner of the field.

At that moment, the Senyera loaned by Real Madrid, measuring 50x30 meters, was unfurled on the grass. The players returned to the pitch accompanied by the song Voces de Valencia by Rei Ortolá, hand in hand with 11 young footballers from Valencia-affiliated academies that were also impacted by the tragedy.

Moments later, those same children, wearing their respective team uniforms, carried a large black ribbon from the tunnel and handed it to José Luis Gayà and Marc Bartra, who placed it beside the Senyera. 

Subsequently, all players from both Valencia and Betis stood next to the Senyera while the Himno Regional was performed with traditional dolçaina and tabal instruments, and the tifo was fully unveiled.

Additionally, Valencia played the match in an all-black kit, which will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the most affected communities. Peter Lim, Valencia’s majority shareholder, will match the total funds raised from the ticket sales to further aid the victims.

Furthermore, fans affected by the disaster in impacted municipalities were able to attend the match thanks to buses provided by the club.