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SEVILLE, Spain – The WVU men’s soccer team met with Spanish soccer legend Carlos Marchena, toured another professional stadium and attended a La Liga division two match during the fifth day of its tour of Spain.

 

West Virginia opened the day by visiting Benito Villamarín Stadium, which is currently under partial construction. The stadium, home to Real Betis Balompié, will eventually be the fourth largest in La Liga, seating 65,000 fans. While at the stadium, rising sophomore defender Albert Andres-Llop interviewed in-studio with Real Betis Radio.

 

Afterwards, the Mountaineers took in another training session on Friday as they prepare for their second match of the tour. WVU will face Real Betis Balompié at 10 a.m. CEST/4 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 13.

 

On Friday afternoon, the team met with the famed Marchena as he gave the team advice on how to prepare and play professional soccer at the highest level. Marchena played professionally from 1997-2015. He spent nine seasons with Valencia and guided the team to five major titles including a pair of La Liga championships. He also won 56 consecutive games during his tenure. Additionally, Marchena played 69 games for Spain's National Team and was a member of the Red Fury team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

 

The Mountaineers watched a match between Sevilla Atlético and Getafa CF at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. Both teams compete in the La Liga Segunda division (second division).

 

A recap of WVU’s match against Real Betis Balompié on Saturday will be available at WVUsports.com, as well as updates on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@WVUMensSoccer).