Málaga CF returned by bus from CiudadReal after losing their Copa del Rey first round match against Sporting de Alcázar, 0‑3, and at the same time expressed their deep dismay at the tragic train accident that occurred in Urda, Toledo. The defeat, played on Tuesday in Alcázar de SanJuan, was marked by the shock that the club felt upon hearing the news during the return trip.
The Malaga team had arrived in the province of CiudadReal by AVE on the same day of the match, but after the match they decided to spend the night in the area and continue their trip to Malaga by road. During the bus ride, the players, the coaching staff and the board learned about the accident that had left several fatalities and numerous injuries in the Urda area. The news reached their ears at a time of tension, as the club was already dealing with the frustration of the defeat.
In its X account, Málaga CF expressed its regret and solidarity with the families of the victims, with the emergency services and with the affected community. "From the club we send all our love and solidarity to the victims, the affected people and their loved ones. Our thoughts are with them, as well as with the emergency services that work tirelessly in the area," the institution announced. The message underlined the deep sadness that the club felt at the event.
The same day, Unicaja Baloncesto, the city's affiliate, also conveyed its condolences. In a publication on the same social network, the basketball team expressed: "Unicaja Baloncesto wants to convey its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims of the tragic train accident that occurred in Urda (Toledo). We convey all our support and affection to them in these difficult times." The statement reflected the solidarity between the sports entities of Malaga in the face of the tragedy.
Although Málaga CF has not announced any changes to its squad or its calendar, the club has decided to keep its match schedule unchanged, although with the awareness that the Copa del Rey matchday has been affected by collective pain. The team's next match will be played in the city of Malaga, where the players and management hope to once again focus on sporting performance, while continuing their thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families.