Latest news with #Murcia
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
From brink of relegation to Europe - the story of Forest's revival
From the brink of the Championship to the brink of the Champions Forest may have fallen short of the top table of European football after their final-day defeat by Chelsea but they have continued their revival. That Forest were even in contention for the Champions League seemed a fantasy after beating the drop on the final day a year ago. In reality, the foundations for success were laid last summer. In Murcia, Spain, Nuno Espirito Santo's plans which would take the club back to Europe for the first time since 1996 were initiated. The chaos and confusion at the end of last season - from four-point deductions to controversial social media posts and final-day survival - were forgotten. A team meal at the Odiseo restaurant in Murcia, with the squad and staff, quickly generated the unity which has catapulted Forest to the Uefa Conference League. Elliot Anderson's initiation song of Stand By Me, after his move from Newcastle, could be the anthem of the season. Pre-season is always important but, internally, there was a sense the summer was crucial given it was Nuno's first with the had already built relationships in the previous six months since replacing Steve Cooper in December 2023, but it was the opportunity to double down on that unity which Nuno puts so much emphasis on. "It started the moment Nuno walked through the door," captain Ryan Yates told BBC Sport. "He gave us that consistency. "He came in at an extremely difficult point in the season where relegation and the point deduction looked like it could happen. It was tough for us as a group but we got through that and we said to ourselves in pre-season it can never happen again."Once home, they lost one of their opening 10 games and the training-ground revamp, unveiled in October, with more catering staff, different meals and a new open-plan canteen allowed a more player-focused environment. A new gym, physio and rehabilitation rooms were all added in a multi-million pound investment. "It's all fillet steak," jokes Yates. "The small things that really do make a difference. That obviously comes from the owner's investment and where he sees the football club going. "Not only have the players bought into that, but also the staff. If the staff are happy, that's going to ultimately help the players as well."The outpouring of support for Taiwo Awoniyi after his freak intestinal injury this month, which left the striker in an induced coma, also highlighted the squad's togetherness. The players hoisted his shirt while celebrating Morgan Gibbs-White's goal in the win at West Ham, with the forward receiving a rapturous welcome before the game on Sunday when he emerged pitchside."We just knew the significance of the result for Taiwo," adds Yates. "What he's been through, you wouldn't wish that on anybody."We're just so happy he's just alive and well." A common bond and Nuno's comfort Double European Cup-winning captain John McGovern is a regular visitor to the training was something former boss Cooper initiated but Nuno has, sensibly, left the door open for the 75-year-old to watch training and integrate with the has often been an unofficial ball boy during sessions, fetching stray shots, while he enjoys a good relationship with the is part of the culture and the desire to ensure everyone feels involved at the City he first moved to England with Wolves, Nuno was adamant he wanted to work with 22 players to let all of them feel they had a chance of playing, therefore raising the intensity and quality in training. That unity was quickly evident during last season's fight against relegation, with Nuno replacing Cooper as the club sat 17th in the Premier League. Sources have told BBC Sport players were almost surprised at how the spirit was compared with other teams they had played for, especially those who had experienced a relegation battle. It has only become stronger while Nuno's ability to remain level-headed is also crucial. He will not pick or turn on individual players after a poor performance, and he placed faith in his players, allowing them to grow in confidence. Goalkeeper Matz Sels arrived with little fanfare from Strasbourg in February 2024 to become the team's third goalkeeper last season, but was immediately given the No.1 spot and Nuno's backing. The 33-year-old has since excelled this season and has shared the Premier League's Golden Glove with Arsenal's David Raya after 13 clean Aina is one of the biggest characters of the dressing room, with Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi also driving the squad off the pitch. There is also a common bond with the players, in that many of them have experienced setbacks in their careers and arrived at Forest with similar journeys. Behind it, as Yates alludes, is Nuno. He can be a stoic figure in media conferences but there is a marked improvement from his demeanor at Wolves. He could be surly with the media at Molineux, but at the City Ground is more relaxed and, even if he avoids a question, it is done with much more grace and understanding of what the journalist was asking. There has been more depth to Nuno this season, publicly at least, and he has been known to play his handpan - a steel drum - in his office at the training ground, and demonstrated his diving abilities during a mid-season trip to Dubai in February. One source described Nuno as "comfortable" at the club, and while there has been speculation about his future, there is a desire for Nuno to build a dynasty - regardless of any on-pitch discussions with the owner. "Look at what he's achieved in his short period at the club," says Yates. "If anything, it should be exciting to see what we can build further." Transfer plans years in the making Nuno was given the faith to build, but there was no talk of Europe before this season. The plan was to take a step forward and avoid a relegation battle, because you cannot become an established or growing Premier League side while fighting the drop. Pushing into the top half was in mind, not becoming a European contender. Forest knew they had good players, and sources have dismissed suggestions this season has been a surprise, labelling it as - understandably - pleasing instead. The clear and precise summer transfer plan was in contrast to when they returned to the Premier League in 2022 - after a 23-year absence - and signed 23 players. This season against Crystal Palace - a 1-0 win in October - only one of those players started the game - Dean Henderson, who was in goal for Palace. It may have appeared outrageous, but it worked and gave Forest the platform for the success of this season. Of those players, Gibbs-White and Neco Williams have played key roles this season while Danilo could have, had he not suffered a broken ankle on the opening Boly, Harry Toffolo, Awoniyi and Wayne Hennessey also remain at the club though are on the periphery, with Boly, Toffolo and Hennessy's deals expiring next month. Last summer Forest were surgical in their approach. They were clear with what they wanted, with a plan to lower the age bracket but also build on the character already at the club. Defender Nikola Milenkovic joined for £10m from Fiorentina - there was no release clause and it has proved a bargain in the current market - and he has formed a crucial partnership with Murillo at the back. The centre-back had been tracked for a number of years and Forest made their move with the Serbia international impressing at Euro 2024. Anderson joined from Newcastle with goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos going the other way in a separate deal, which will have helped with keeping the club compliant with profit and sustainability rules (PSR). This year it will be the same - Liam Delap and James McAtee are of interest but there is an expectation Ipswich striker Delap will join Manchester United. The Champions League would have added extra revenue and therefore more financial wriggle room, but Forest's transfer plans do not hinge on joining the elite. Nuno was clear in the profile of player he wanted, and had total belief in his methods. It brought a mutual trust between the Portuguese and the hierarchy, allowing him to deliver the club's best season in 30 years. The club have not played in Europe since a Uefa Cup quarter-final defeat by Bayern Munich in March 1996, and will return in September for the Conference has been unexpected, but after years in the wilderness Forest, two-time European Cup winners, have returned to a stage they used to call home. "It took us a couple of years to find that stability, and when this club gets momentum it's unstoppable," smiles Yates.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
More dramatic storms smash Spain as hail warning issued with streets turned to RIVERS & Benidorm Brits left soaked
SPAIN has been battered by another wave of wild weather as freak hail storms turned streets into rivers and left holidaymakers in Benidorm soaked. The latest lashing comes as a yellow weather alert was issued across parts of the country, warning of torrential rain and hail. 7 7 7 7 7 The storms hit southern and southeastern Spain on Thursday, hammering regions including Almería, Murcia, Granada, and parts of the Costa Blanca – with the popular British hotspot of Benidorm right in the firing line. In Librilla in Murcia, 37 litres of rain per square metre reportedly fell in just 30 minutes, sparking sudden flash floods. Shocking videos shared on social media show water gushing down streets, hail pelting rooftops, and cars trying to navigate rising floodwaters. Locals and tourists alike were caught off guard, with many dashing for shelter as the skies opened without warning. Spain's state weather agency, Aemet, issued alerts across several regions as the storms rolled in, warning of 'potential hail' and advising people to remain indoors. The sudden downpour followed days of unsettled spring weather, marking yet another chaotic chapter in what's become one of the wettest Mays in recent memory. Authorities have urged caution, particularly for travellers heading to affected areas. Spain's Civil Protection agency issued multiple warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and storms, with guidance focused on popular destinations like Valencia, Almería, Majorca and Barcelona. By Thursday evening, most alerts had been lifted, and forecasters expect calmer conditions from Friday, though isolated showers and storms may persist, especially inland and in the Balearic Islands. Shock vids show hols hotspot Valencia SWAMPED with freak rain & hail as 'cyclonic supercell' storm pummels Spain Tourists are advised to monitor local forecasts and follow official advice. Emergency services were deployed across multiple regions to respond to flooding, blocked roads, and waterlogged properties. In some areas, storm drains overflowed within minutes, and local authorities struggled to respond to the volume of calls from residents and businesses affected by the flooding. In Orihuela and Elche, hailstones the size of marbles were reported pounding windows, while footage from Almería showed cars half-submerged and people wading through knee-deep water. The suddenness of the storms left little time to prepare, with many scrambling to protect homes and vehicles. Lightning lit up skies across the southeast and east coast, prompting additional safety warnings. Experts say the storms were intensified by a cold air mass colliding with warm, moist conditions over the Iberian Peninsula — a mix that often triggers sudden, violent weather outbreaks. Meteorologists at Aemet warn that more unsettled weather may return early next week, especially in higher altitude and coastal areas. While temperatures may rise slightly, unstable atmospheric conditions raise the risk of further showers and hailstorms. Local businesses in tourist zones report a drop in foot traffic and last-minute cancellations. Many bar and restaurant owners in Benidorm say fewer people are dining out as tourists opt to stay indoors. Travel firms are monitoring the situation, with some advising customers to reconsider trips to the hardest-hit areas. Flights have not seen major disruptions, but officials urge travellers to stay in contact with airlines as conditions can shift quickly. Despite the chaos, authorities say flood management systems have improved in several urban areas — leaving them better prepared than in previous years. 7 7
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Costa Blanca roads turn into raging rivers as freak hail and rain storms lash Spanish holiday hotspot washing away cars
A freak hail and rain storm has struck southern Spain, leaving renowned tourist hotspots covered in ice and overrun with flood waters. Huge hailstones and heavy rain pelted parts of the Costa Blanca yesterday, forcing stunned holidaymakers to run for cover and turning roads into raging rivers. Almeria, Murcia, Granada, and parts of the Costa Blanca were placed under a yellow alert for heavy rain and 'potential hail' by state weather agency Aemet. The town of Librilla, in Murcia, was among the worst affected, with 37 litres of hail per metre squared falling on the municipality in just half an hour. Shocking video footage shows the streets submerged by fast-flowing floodwater as motorists try to navigate their way through the chaos. Idyllic beaches were turned from golden to white in a matter of minutes as chunks of ice blanketed the sand. It comes just days after Majorca was also battered by the extreme weather. Municipalities such as Manacor, Sant Llorenç and Sa Pobla were badly hit, but other parts of the islands were also engulfed in the deluge. Video clips circulating on social media showed how furniture and tiles on typically sun-soaked decking outside hotels and private flats were smashed by the hailstorms as holidaymakers cowered inside. Spain's state weather service AEMET issued yellow weather warnings for Majorca and Menorca, warning that up to 50 litres of rainfall per square metre drenched Manacor in just half an hour, triggering flash floods. The warnings were in place until the evening of May 13, as parts of the island faced between 60 and 70 litres of rainfall per square metre in two or three hours. The culprit behind the rare and destructive weather pattern was put down to what is known in Spain as 'DANA' - short for 'Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos' or 'Isolated Depression at High Levels'. These phenomena form when a pocket of cold air detaches from the jet stream over the Atlantic and settles over warmer Mediterranean air. The resulting clash in temperatures and pressures creates intense instability, often unleashing torrential rain, violent hailstorms, and flash floods over short periods. DANAs produce erratic and slow-moving storms which can dump enormous volumes of water and hail over the same region in hours. In Spain, where the ground is often dry and the infrastructure ill-prepared for flooding, these deluges can create havoc. The storm engulfing Majorca comes days after similar downpours punished towns in Valencia less than six months on from catastrophic flooding in the region which left more than 230 people dead. British holidaymakers were warned against travelling after first-sized hail hammered the popular region in eastern Spain on Thursday amid orange weather warnings by AEMET denoting 'significant danger'. The hailstorm and resulting floods gave way to chaotic scenes as Valencians rushed for cover in a month where daytime temperatures typically hover around 20 degrees Celsius. Scarcely believable footage showed how vehicles sustained damage from the hail as others became stuck amid ice floes several inches thick in Villar del Arzobispo, with residents powerless to free them. Other shocking clips circulating on social media showed the deluge gushing through the typically sun-kissed streets of Guadassequies and l'Olleria. The sudden storm heaped misery on the region's residents, many of whom lost their livelihoods in the historic 'cold drop' that occurred in October 2024, triggering massive flooding which killed 232 people. The authorities' perceived inadequacies in emergency preparation, communication and response to last year's weather phenomenon - referred to by the Spanish acronym DANA - left millions disillusioned.
Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Telegraph
Why Europe's sunniest city should be your next holiday destination
The coastal city of Cartagena, in southeastern Spain's Murcia region, has been found to receive more sunshine than anywhere else in Europe. Why it should get a few hours more than, say, Alicante, just up the coast, or Malaga on the Costa del Sol, I'm not entirely sure. Then again, it is on the Costa Cálida, the 'Warm Coast', as this stretch of Murcia is called, so maybe there is something in it. After crunching World Weather Online data, covering the period 2009 to 2025 and looking at European cities with populations above 200,000, Holidu, an accommodation platform, found that Cartagena gets an average of 283 hours of sunshine a month. Thirteen of the top 30 cities in the survey are in Spain, with not much between them, but while the likes of Seville, Granada and Madrid are top city-break choices, Cartagena flies largely under the radar. Most of its British visitors are either arriving on the cruise ships that dock in its large port or popping down from the resorts of the nearby Mar Menor to do a spot of shopping. But it is deserving of more attention. There is a lot of history to get your head around here, as Cartagena was founded in 227 BC and is one of the oldest cities in Spain. It was from here that Hannibal set off with his elephants in 218 BC to cross the Alps and invade Italy. Although much of the city was destroyed in the Spanish Civil War and earlier conflicts, you are constantly coming across vestiges of its rich past as you walk around. If you whizz up in the swish lift to the observation point by the castle, you'll understand why this strategic location was so attractive to numerous rulers over the centuries. From the vantage point of the hilltop, you see that the city curves around a natural harbour that is sheltered in a crinkly inlet, a bit like Plymouth. The port sprawls around the waterfront, while immediately below you a Roman theatre is tucked into the hillside. To learn more about it and get a closer look, stroll down to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the sparkling square that showcases the splendid town hall. Opposite is the Museo del Teatro Romano, designed by Rafael Moneo, where you can soak up as much or as little background as you like before emerging in the theatre itself. It's astounding that no one even knew it was there until 1988, as the structure lay buried under layers of ruined buildings – including a cathedral. It was only discovered because this prime yet derelict bit of land was being cleared with a view to building a centre to promote the Murcia region's traditional crafts. A plan that was dropped, obviously. Since then, remains of Roman Cartagena have been gradually coming to light, including the forum, where there is also now a museum, the Museo del Foro Romano Molinete. It's one of those places, like Malaga, where every time a digger breaks up a pavement some sort of relic is revealed. All that history and heritage can be a bit exhausting – particularly in that relentless sunshine. In the summer months, the temperature in Cartagena is actually more conducive to sitting around doing as little as possible. Just as well then that the city has no shortage of café terraces with shaded tables. I always like to get in the swing by ordering an asiático, a punchy local concoction with layers of coffee, brandy, Licor 43 (a liqueur made in Cartagena) and condensed milk and served in a covetable chunky tumbler – resist the temptation to slip it into your bag though as the glasses have become one of Cartagena's most popular souvenirs and are easily available to buy. An asiático is guaranteed to pick you up, although your cultural agenda may slip a bit afterwards. From the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, follow the throng of people walking up the Calle Mayor, which is not only lined with shops and bars but also features several ornate modernista buildings – the form of art nouveau architecture that will be familiar to you from Barcelona and Valencia. The style flourished in Cartagena at the turn of the 20th century when wealth generated from the mining industry was used to build lavish residences. You could start a second day down at the port, where there are two museums that are essential to understanding Cartagena's maritime importance. The Museo Naval, where there is a section on Isaac Peral, who designed the first electric submarine in the late 19th century. I remember seeing the submarine on the waterfront, where it was displayed for many years, exposed to the elements, and was in a bit of a sorry state. Fortunately it was transferred indoors to the museum in 2012 and has been restored to its former glory. A stroll along the waterfront brings you to the ARQVA, the Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática, where you delve into an underwater world of fascinating finds from Phoenician times up to the present day. Back outside, the aroma of the freshest of fish being fried is likely to lure you into one of the quayside restaurants. Varadero, in the fishing harbour, is a great spot to try arroz de caldero, the Murcian rice dish which is made in a hefty iron pot rather than a paella pan, a tradition devised by local fishermen. Woozily sipping another asiático after your lunch, under the almost eternally blue sky, you'll probably be thinking that Cartagena is pretty much perfect for a city break. How to do it The nearest airport is Murcia International, to which Ryanair and EasyJet fly from London and several regional airports. The Sercotel Alfonso XIII is a good central base; doubles from £82, room only. For something fancier, the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa is a 30-minute drive from Cartagena; doubles from £330, including breakfast.
