EuroLeague: The first match of the season in Spain with spectators will be against an Israeli team.

Madrid: Valencia Basket’s EuroLeague game against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday will be played in front of spectators at the Roig Arena. This will be the first game in Spain this season against an Israeli team to be played with fans in attendance. Due to security concerns stemming from the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, police had initially advised that the game be played behind closed doors. While other Spanish teams, including Real Madrid, Barça, Baskonia, BAXI Manresa, and La Laguna Tenerife, have opted to play their matches against Israeli teams in empty arenas this season, Valencia Basket decided otherwise after weeks of negotiations with the government. “The club will redouble its efforts at all levels and take all necessary measures so that those who wish to can enjoy the game under normal circumstances,” Valencia said in a statement on Wednesday. The main considerations were protecting the rights of season ticket holders and avoiding competitive imbalances caused by playing in empty stands, especially since Israeli clubs have recently been hosting matches with full crowds in a hostile atmosphere. “The club encourages all its season ticket holders to once again become the ‘sixth player’ for the game, giving the team the necessary boost for the competition, and demonstrating at all levels that it is possible to enjoy a sporting event without incident. This will normalize playing in these circumstances and put an end to a situation that only harms the competition and the Spanish teams,” Valencia added. Only Valencia Basket’s 11,500 season ticket holders will be allowed entry to the venue. TAGS