Sell-out at La Cerámica as Spain face Serbia on return | OneFootball

Spain’s friendly with Serbia at Estadio de la Cerámica produced a sell-out and vibrant scenes after the Finalissima was cancelled. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Villarreal accepted the federation’s proposal to stage the game.

In the morning, club president Fernando Roig, chief executive Fernando Roig Negueroles and general manager Federico Alcácer welcomed an RFEF delegation led by president Rafael Louzán at the ground.

Louzán praised the stadium’s recent makeover and modern facilities. He presented the Roigs with a shirt bearing the number 26 and their names, while Villarreal gifted him a yellow jersey with his name and the number 10.

All 21,332 tickets were sold, creating a night to remember. From the anthem to the build-up, thousands of Spain shirts and flags coloured the stands as supporters responded to Luis de la Fuente’s side. Fans travelled from across Castellón province and many parts of the country.

Former Villarreal youth graduate Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner now at Manchester City, started and wore the captain’s armband, drawing a huge ovation.

Academy products Álex Baena and Yeremy Pino, nurtured at the Ciudad Deportiva José Manuel Llaneza in Miralcamp, were also among the most acclaimed. Close friends, they keep strong ties in Vila-real.

Iván Sánchez, the provincial deputy for sport, represented the Castellón council in the directors’ box, joined by Vila-real mayor José Benlloch.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo