Spanish Copa Del Rey Matches Postponed After Deadly Train Crash

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has postponed 24 Copa del Rey matches as a sign of respect following a deadly train collision near Madrid, which reportedly claimed at least 30 lives and left over 80 people injured. This decision comes as part of a broader show of solidarity and mourning across the country.

According to several outlets, the collision involved two high-speed trains—one operated by Renfe and another by Iryo—on the Madrid-Sevilla line near Urda station. The incident occurred just days before the scheduled matches, affecting five top-flight Spanish football teams that were set to compete in the first round on Wednesday. The RFEF’s decision to postpone these games highlights the significant impact such tragedies can have on national events and celebrations.

Regional president Emiliano García-Page provided information about the casualties, stating that at least 30 people lost their lives in the accident, while over 80 others sustained injuries. This figure contrasts with reports from other sources suggesting a higher death toll of 68, though this number is currently disputed. The discrepancy underscores the ongoing efforts to gather accurate information in the immediate aftermath of such a devastating event.

In addition to the Copa del Rey postponements, a minute’s silence was observed before Real Madrid’s Women’s Champions League match, further emphasizing the collective grief felt throughout the nation. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona took to social media to express their condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families. Carlos Alcaraz, a prominent Spanish tennis player, also offered his sympathies to the affected families.

The Spanish royal family joined in expressing their support and condolences, highlighting the widespread impact of the tragedy. While Wednesday’s matches have been postponed, there is hope that Thursday’s Copa del Rey fixtures may still go ahead as planned, subject to further assessment of the situation.

What we know

• - The Spanish Copa del Rey's 24 matches scheduled for Wednesday were suspended as a sign of respect. ¹²³
• - Twenty-four Copa del Rey first-round games have been postponed. ²³
• - Spanish football federation (RFEF) postponed 24 Copa del Rey matches as a sign of respect. ²³
• - A fatal train crash occurred in the province of Toledo, Spain. ²
• - At least 30 people died and 80 were injured in the train crash. ²³
• - Over 500 passengers were traveling on the trains involved in the collision. ¹
• - Five top-flight Spanish football teams were set to play in the first round matches on Wednesday. ¹
• - The crash involved two high-speed trains, one from Renfe and one from Iryo. ²
• - The collision happened near Urda station on the Madrid-Sevilla line. ²
• - The Copa del Rey first round had 18 games on Tuesday, 24 on Wednesday, and 14 on Thursday. ²
• - A minute's silence was observed before Real Madrid's Women's Champions League match. ¹
• - Real Madrid and Barcelona both expressed condolences and solidarity on social media. ¹
• - Carlos Alcaraz, a Spanish tennis player, offered condolences to the victims' families. ¹
• - Regional president Emiliano García-Page provided information about the casualties. ²
• - Thursday's Copa del Rey matches may still proceed as planned. ²
• - Spain's royal family expressed condolences and support for the victims and their families. ²

What remains unclear

• - The exact number of deaths in the train collision, with reports ranging from 30 to 68. ¹²³