This past weekend, Valencia played the Mexican National team during the international break. Posts on social media and discussions in bars by the Mestalla have all been debating in vociferous terms; Why Mexico? Indeed, is this just a trip to line the coffers of the Valencia CF bank account? Surprisingly, Valencia do actually have a long standing history with Mexico.

The initial President of the club Octavio Augusto Milego spent many years in the North American country. Also, the first club captain Julio Gascó emigrated there just after the Civil War, fearing for his life in Franco’s Spain because of his left-wing leanings. In Mexico, both parties promoted Valencia itself and particularly the football club. Gascó was very active in this sphere and was instrumental in the resurrection of the Valencian Regional House in Mexico City. The first game after his death had been reported in 1956, the club wore black armbands at the Mestalla. When the team went to Mexico for their inaugural tour of the country in 1963, they visited his graveside and placed a wreath.

Four years later, Valencia CF returned for what was a very prestigious occasion. Valencia took part in the opening ceremony for the Azteca Stadium, and consequently they were the very first foreign club to win in the iconic venue when they beat Atlante F.C. three goals to nil.

The tour was also notable for the fact that it was the very first time that Pep Claramunt donned the Valencia shirt for the premier team. A legend amongst the Mestalla faithful, he played around 300 games for the club and represented Spain 23 times. His legacy continues to be remembered in the Valencia community with the football ground in Pucol, where he was born, named after him.

The most recent visit until now that Los Che have made to Mexico was in 2003 when they met Toluca. Valencia lost out to the Red Devils by three goals to one. The Uruguayan Gonzalo de los Santos scored for the visitors, and playing that day were household names to Valencia fans including Palop, Carboni and Ángulo.

Valencia entered the field of play this time round with the Mexican National team in the Estadio Cuauhtémoc and had some very unfamiliar faces in the lineup. Vicent Abril was in goal and Germán Valera, Rodrigo Abajas and Enzo Barrenechea were also in the starting eleven.

The game transcended into a typical friendly with a plethora of changes throughout the game for both sides. However, the intensity of the crowd ensured the match remained an high octane affair throughout the ninety minutes.

For the record, Los Che came back from two goals down to draw 2-2… much to the frustration and derision of the home supporters. Dani Gómez led the forward line and bagged two well taken goals in the process.

With the tour over and no injuries of note, the event will be deemed a success by many. The icing on the cake would be a new find from Mexican shores in the coming years that makes a first team breakthrough. The Mexicans Luis Flores and Andres Guardado had successful spells with Valencia CF and the women’s team have had Mexicanas Sofia Álvarez, Monica Flores and Jimena López on their books in the past.

It could well be the player to pave the way and add an extra notch to the Mexican connection plays in Liga F rather than  La Liga, but until that time happens and that direct correlation is achieved sceptics will question the motives of such a trip, and similar ventures in future.

Valencia return to domestic action next with upcoming matches at home to Las Palmas and then three consecutive trips to the Madrid community

Getafe and Real Madrid are the league games. However, sandwiched in between those matches is a first round Copa del Rey contest with Parla Escuela who play in the Primera Automática de Aficionados league – Group 2

Levante UD have received a tougher draw in the Cup competition, and they have to face Pontevedra on foreign soil. Coupled with away league matches with Castellón and Granada and a home fixture against Deportivo La Coruña, it could be a tough month for ‘Los Granotas’ as they fight to stay at the top of Liga Hypermotion.

Report by John Howden

Article copyright 24/7 Valencia

Fixtures 

Valencia CF

Valencia CF v Las Palmas Oct 21, 21,00h

Getafe v Valencia CF Oct 27, 16.15h

CP Parla Escuela v Valencia CF Oct 30, 21.00h

Real Madrid v Valencia CF Nov 2 21.00h

Levante UD

Castellón v Levante UD Oct 19 18.30h

Levante UD v Deportivo Oct 24 19.00h

Granada v Levante UD Oct 27 21.00h

Pontevedra v Levante UD Oct 30 tbd