Abanca Balaídos experienced this Tuesday a magical night that will remain etched in the collective memory of Galicia. Under the slogan “Xuntos contra o lume”, Vigo and Ourense came together in an event full of emotion, solidarity, and shared pride, with the common goal of reforesting and rebuilding the Ourense mountains devastated by this summer’s fires. More than 5,000 people filled the stadium in an occasion that transcended football and became a symbol of unity and hope.
The match, promoted by Celta, the Galician Federation, and UD Ourense, brought together 5,090 attendees who came to support this solidarity cause. The final score, with a 5-0 Celeste victory thanks to goals from Bryan Zaragoza, Ferran Jutglà, Pablo Durán (twice), and Pablo Gavián, was secondary, as the true victory was in the stands, in the unanimous response of a land that, when wounded, responds united. Each ticket and every commemorative jersey sold, worn by both teams on the pitch, will go to fund reforestation projects in the most affected areas of the province of Ourense, a gesture that turns football into a tool for reconstruction and the future.
The magnitude of the event was also reflected in the broad institutional and social representation present at Abanca Balaídos. Numerous Ourense municipalities and organizations participated in this solidarity day (Concello de Avión, Concello de Baltar, Concello de Beade, Concello do Barco de Valdeorras, Concello de O Bolo, Concello de Carballeda de Avia, Concello de Cartelle, Concello de Castrelo de Miño, Concello de Castrelo do Val, Concello de Chandrexa de Queixa, Concello de Cualedro, Concello de Carballeda de Valdeorras, Concello de A Gudiña, Concello de Laza, Concello de Leiro, Concello de Larouco, Conceilo de Manzaneda, Concello de Melón, Concello de A Merca, Concello de A Mezquita, Concello de Montederramo, Concello de Monterrei, Concello de Ourense, Concello de Oímbra, Concello de Padrenda, Concello de Pobra de Trives, Concello de Petín, Concello de Ribadavia, Concello de Riós, Concello de Rubiá, Concello de A Rúa, Concello de San Amaro, Concello de San Cibrao das Viñas, Concello de San Xoán de Río, Concello de A Teixeira, Concello de Toén, Concello de Trasmiras, Concello de A Veiga, Concello de Verín, Concello de Vilar de Barrio, Concello de Vilardevós, Concello de Vilariño de Conso, Concello de Vilamartín de Valdeorras, Concello de Xinzo de Limia) along with Forest Agents, Civil Protection, SERGAS, Regional Police, National Police, Guardia Civil, forestry brigades, emergency units, and firefighter corps, in addition to representatives from Celta, UD Ourense, and the RFEF. All, without distinction, sharing the same goal of caring for the land, the roots, and what unites Galicia.
Because “Xuntos contra o lume” was not just a game, it was a message, a demonstration that, when circumstances demand it, Galicia responds with strength, pride, and solidarity that spans generations in every cheer, every scarf waving in the wind, and every step on the pitch. Today’s afternoon showcased that collective energy that makes our land unique; a place where the true victory is being together.
