The following is a press release from Columbus Crew SC Communications.
COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that it will host six-time Spanish First Division (La Liga) champion Valencia CF on Wednesday, May 27 at MAPFRE Stadium in an international friendly at 7:30 p.m. ET. Part of the LFP World Challenge, this match is the club’s first-ever hosting of an international friendly against a Spanish opponent. In its storied history, Valencia has won seven Copa del Rey titles and a Spanish SuperCup as well as the UEFA Cup.
“We are looking forward to competing against one of the top teams in Spain at MAPFRE Stadium. Valencia is an exciting team with a lot of young, talented players and it’s going to be a great test for our group,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “I also have a personal connection to the club after visiting the club last year. I was impressed by the warmth and professionalism of the people. The respect goes so far that we brought Nico Estevez, a longtime coach from their youth and professional environments, to work with our Academy players full-time in Columbus as Crew SC’s Director of Methodology.”
Valencia CF To Face Columbus Crew SC May 27th
One of the most successful clubs in Spanish soccer, Valencia has won six La Liga titles and seven editions of the Copa del Rey. Based on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, the club has also won the Spanish SuperCup and the UEFA Cup once each. Nicknamed Los Che, Valencia has reached seven major European finals, winning four in its history. The club made an appearance in the UEFA Champions League final twice, in 2000 and 2001.
“MAPFRE Stadium has long been the site for captivating international matches and we are pleased to welcome Valencia CF to Central Ohio for this match,” said Crew SC President of Business Operations Andy Loughnane. “The friendly marks an exciting new chapter in our club’s and our venue’s history as we host a team from Spain for the first time, a side with rich history. There is a strong interest in the global game in Columbus and we are excited to offer our fans the chance to see their favorite club battle topflight talent.”
Entering the week, Valencia ranks fourth in La Liga with a record of 21-5-9, trailing only Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the table. The team’s leading goal-scorer is its captain, Dani Parejo, who has found the back of the net 12 times in 2014-15. Should the club maintain its top-four placement in La Liga, it would qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2012-13, when it advanced to the Knockout Stage of the tournament. Valencia recently made high-profile acquisitions of German FIFA World Cup winner Shkrodan Mustafi, former Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo and former Benfica forward Rodrigo.
Crew SC is 10-5-3 all-time in international exhibitions, having drawn against English side Crystal Palace last summer by a 2-2 final.
Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew SC Communications
