Homages to Juan Cruz Sol before kickoff at Mestalla

Juan Cruz Sol was honoured ahead of the game between Valencia CF and Atletico Madrid, with a series of tributes at the stadium that was a second home to him.

In the first home game for the club since his passing, the former player, delegate, ambassador and board member was remembered with his image displayed on the main facade at Mestalla, alongside the likes of Puchade and Kempes.

The players held a minute's silence before kickoff, also wearing black armbands during the game.

The seat habitually occupied by Sol in the VIP Box remained empty, with flowers and a shirt with his No.2  shirt placed on it.

His memory will live on at the stadium with the ‘Sala Juan Cruz Sol’ room, which will be used for institutional acts and meetings with other teams and collectives. It will be located in the place where Sol would welcome bands, supporters groups, peñas, institutions, clubs and directors in his work following his playing career.

Juan Cruz Sol's family are set to receive a posthumous Gold Medal honour from the club in his honour at a future date.

The minute's silence also paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona, who passed away this week.