Extra Time in Valencia

Penalties, Vermut, and a bit of embarrassment in Valencia.

We took a quick weekend hop down to Valencia to catch the UEFA Nations League match between Spain and the Netherlands (Países Bajos – the Low Countries) and had an awesome time. A game that had it all: overtime, penalty kicks, sudden-death penalty kicks, and a lot of pride for La Roja!

We stayed near Estadio de Mestalla, where the Dutch team was holed up. We didn’t plan it that way, but it gave the whole trip a sort of sitcom energy—especially when, while at a posh bar with the Dutch coaching staff, I tried my suave attempt to flash my Barça colors. (see video)

Before the game, we roamed the streets, rediscovered old favorites from Q’s lacrosse tournament visits, and finally tried Agua de Valencia, which is basically what happens when a mimosa, a Long Island Iced Tea, and sangria decide to co-parent. Tastes like summer and consequences.
Agua de Valencia recipe:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup cava (or other sparkling wine)
• 1 shot gin
• 1 shot vodka
• Sugar to taste
  Serve cold, and just try to sip it slowly

The match itself? Unreal. Spain won in penalties (5–4), after regulation and extra time had both teams deadlocked. The stadium roared. Kate, Cam, and I shouted ourselves hoarse. Cam may or may not have achieved full nationalistic transformation, draped in a Spanish flag, and all of us yelling ¡Vamos! ¡Va! 

A few of our beloved Barça regulars took the pitch—Pedri doing beautiful Pedri things, Ferran “The Shark” Torres circling dangerously, and Lamine Yamal looking like a 17-year-old with a cheat code. Cam’s favorite Cubarsí was on the roster, though sadly had a knock. And yes, Cucurella’s hair was absolutely in attendance and just… simply… gorgeous.. For the Dutch, Barça’s own Frenkie de Jong played, but we were not conflicted on who to root for.

A few photos from the weekend…

The city was all charm and oranges and winding corners. We didn’t get back to Barcelona until 4 am, running on adrenaline, pride, and maybe a little leftover caffeine.

Would 10/10 do again.