A memorable, emotional and charitable night at UD Almería Stadium

The UD Almería Stadium will host a very special occasion on Saturday, 24 January (KO 7pm CET), when the veterans of UD Almería and FC Barcelona meet in a charity match held in honour of Guillermo Blanes. The fixture, presented in the Stadium’s conference room, promises to be a memorable, emotional and heartwarming evening, with all proceeds going to charitable causes.

The honouree himself was present at the press conference and expressed his gratitude and emotion. 'I am very excited about this recognition and about being able to collaborate with organisations and associations that help others and need funds to carry out their work. That is what makes me happy in this second life, after nearly losing my own a few years ago,' he said.

The funds raised will be donated to four organisations: the Almería Association for Children with Cancer (Argar), the Astea Autism Association, the Nazaret Shelter and the Poco Frecuentes Foundation.

Tickets are priced at €10, with free entry for children. They can be purchased at Blanes stores and will also be available next Saturday at the UD Almería Stadium during the match between UD Almería and Deportivo de La Coruña. In addition, members of the tribute’s organising committee will be selling tickets in the surrounding areas of the Stadium.

Luis Malpica, coordinator of the veterans and the driving force behind the organisation of the tribute, revealed some of the former UD Almería players who will take part in the match against FC Barcelona. The list includes Gualda, Gorri, Esteban Navarro, Jorge Peralta, Raúl Sánchez, Juan Carlos Portillo, Miranda, Álex Hita, Chuli, Domingo Cisma, Kalu Uche, Pablo Piatti, Álex Vidal, Paco Luna and Chico Flores. The latter two also attended the presentation and expressed their pride and satisfaction at wearing the red and white shirt once again in a match dedicated to Guillermo Blanes.

Juan José Melero, a member of the organising committee alongside Manolo García, Jesús Verdejo and Torres Tovar Asesores, explained that, at the initiative of Guillermo Blanes himself, children from schools and football clubs across Almería have been invited to attend the match. Tickets for them will be distributed directly through these schools and clubs.

The founder of Almería CF and a key figure in the creation of UD Almería also praised the Club’s current management for their ongoing support and affection, and thanked them for their collaboration in organising the tribute. Guillermo Blanes has appealed to ‘friends and businesses’ to contribute and support the organisations that will benefit from the funds raised. 

Donations can be made to the following accounts:

• Argar (Children with Cancer): ES09 2103 5010 5100 3000 2306

• Poco Frecuentes Foundation: ES42 2100 4754 3713 0019 0226

• Nazaret Shelter: ES36 2103 5000 8400 3002 7087

• Astea Autism Association: ES49 2100 2032 0602 0015 3913