Villarreal–Alavés: A Betrayal of Basque Heritage

A personal and emotional exploration of the controversial match between Villarreal and Alavés.

As a lifelong fan of Deportivo Alavés, the recent match against Villarreal CF filled me with a bitter sense of betrayal. For decades, our two clubs have shared a close relationship, rooted in our Basque heritage. But on that fateful evening, everything changed.

• A Broken Promise: Before the match, Villarreal's president promised to field a weakened team, allowing Alavés to avoid relegation. However, on game day, they reneged on their word, fielding a strong lineup that ultimately condemned us to the second division.
• A Betrayal of Tradition: Our rivalry with Villarreal has always been intense but respectful. This match, however, was different. Villarreal's players celebrated our downfall with unsportsmanlike glee, mocking our supporters and shattering our dreams.
• A Loss of Innocence: As a child, I looked up to Villarreal as a role model. They were a smaller club, like Alavés, but they had achieved great success through hard work and dedication. Now, their actions have tarnished that image forever.

The betrayal we felt went beyond the result. It was a betrayal of our history, our values, and our sense of community. Villarreal's actions have irreparably damaged the relationship between our two clubs and cast a shadow over the beautiful game of football.

A Call to Action:

I urge all football fans, regardless of their allegiance, to stand up against this kind of behavior. We cannot allow the spirit of our sport to be corrupted by greed and deceit. Let's demand that clubs honor their commitments and that players treat their opponents with respect.

And to the people of Villarreal, I say this: You have chosen a dark path. Your actions have brought shame upon your club and upon our shared heritage. I hope that one day you will find the decency to apologize for your betrayal and to rebuild the broken trust between our two communities.