A Girona Native Takes on the Spanish super Cup
This week, the Supercopa d’espanya football tournament kicks off in Saudi Arabia, featuring a surprising participant from Girona: 25-year-old midfielder Valery Fernández. Representing RCD Mallorca, Fernández, a product of Girona’s youth system, will be hoping to see action in their semifinal clash against Real Madrid on Thursday.
Fernández’s journey to the Supercopa has been marked by a desire for consistent playing time. After rising thru the ranks at Escala and Peralada,he made his debut with Girona’s first team in 2018. Though, seeking more opportunities, he opted for a loan move to Mallorca during the summer transfer window, despite the chance to compete in the Champions League with Girona.
While the move hasn’t yielded the desired results so far, with limited appearances and playing time for Mallorca, the Supercopa presents a unique possibility for Fernández to showcase his talent on a grand stage.
The Supercopa d’Espanya, contested annually by the winners and runners-up of La Liga and the Copa del Rey, is a prestigious tournament. Mallorca’s participation this year stems from their impressive Copa del Rey run last season, where they ultimately fell to Real Betis in the final on penalties.
This year’s tournament pits Mallorca against formidable opponents: Real Madrid and barcelona, both boasting numerous supercopa titles. The other semifinal features Athletic Club Bilbao, the Copa del Rey champions, facing off against Barcelona.
The Supercopa action begins on Wednesday with Athletic Club taking on Barcelona, followed by Mallorca’s encounter with Real Madrid on Thursday. The winners of each semifinal will then battle it out for the coveted trophy on Sunday at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
While Real Madrid and Barcelona have dominated the Supercopa finals in recent years, both Athletic Club and Mallorca are persistent to break the trend and make their mark on the competition.
A Girona Prodigy Takes on the Supercopa: An Interview with Former La liga striker Luis Garcia
Welcome back, sports fans, to another exciting edition of “Inside the Lines”! Today we have a real treat. Joining us is none other than former La Liga striker Luis Garcia, who knows a thing or two about both the Supercopa d’España and the challenges faced by young Spanish talent.
Luis, welcome to the show!
Luis: Thanks for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk football.
Great to have you. Now, let’s dive right into it. We have a engaging story unfolding with RCD Mallorca’s Valery Fernandez preparing for his Supercopa debut against Real Madrid. This kid, a Girona native, has had quite a journey. What are your thoughts on his decision to prioritize playing time at Mallorca over potentially competing in the Champions League with Girona?
Luis: that’s a tough call for any young player, but I admire Valery’s desire to be on the pitch. Playing time is essential for growth, especially at his age. You can learn a lot from training with top-level players, but nothing beats the experience of actually competing in matches. Mallorca might not be in the Champions League, but the Supercopa is a prestigious tournament. It’s a chance for him to test himself against the best in Spain and show what he’s capable of.
Absolutely. It’s a high-stakes habitat, no doubt. Do you think Mallorca has a realistic shot against Real Madrid?
Luis: Real Madrid is a powerhouse, no question. But football is full of surprises, and mallorca has shown they’re capable of beating big teams. They had a fantastic Copa del Rey run last season, and they’ll be fired up for this match. It’ll be a David vs. Goliath encounter, but I wouldn’t rule out an upset.
That’s the spirit! The Supercopa has traditionally been dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona. Do you think Athletic Club or Mallorca can break that trend this year?
Luis: It’s a tall order, but both teams have the talent and determination to make a splash. Athletic Club, as Copa del Rey champions, will be hungry for more silverware. And Mallorca, with their underdog mentality, could be dangerous. Real Madrid and Barcelona will be favorites, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a new champion crowned this year.
I like that optimism, Luis! What advice would you give to a young player like Valery Fernandez heading into such a pressure-filled match?
Luis: Stay focused, believe in yourself, and enjoy the moment. It’s not every day you get to play in the Supercopa.Don’t be afraid to take risks and show what you can do.
Fantastic advice, Luis. Thank you for sharing your insights. I’m sure Valery and all the young fans out there appreciate your wisdom!
And to our readers, what do you think? Can Mallorca pull off an upset? What are your predictions for the Supercopa? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
