Bilbao hosts solidarity football match between Euskadi and Palestine amid large protests
Over 51,000 spectators attended a solidarity football match between the Euskadi selection and Palestine in Bilbao, Spain, following large demonstrations demanding an end to the conflict.
November 15, 2025 - 06:22 PM ET • 2 min read
A solidarity football match between the Euskadi (Basque) selection and the Palestinian national team took place in Bilbao, Spain, on Saturday, drawing 51,396 spectators and following massive pre-game demonstrations demanding an end to the conflict.
The match, held at San Mamés stadium, saw Euskadi defeat Palestine 3-0, with goals scored by Elgezabal, Guruzeta, and Urko Izeta. The event was described by organizers as transcending sports, serving as a major gesture of solidarity, support, and memory for the Palestinian people. The atmosphere included a minute of silence and banners displayed by the Basque fans, transforming the stands into a collective call for peace and justice.
Ehab Adu Jazar, the Palestinian national team coach, previously noted that football serves as a platform to tell their story and provides a reason for a small smile amid the "inhumane situation" faced by the Palestinian people.
Prior to the game, thousands of people participated in two separate marches through Bilbao, culminating at the stadium. The demonstrations were organized by platforms including Palestina Gu ere bai!, Gure Esku, Gernika-Palestina Herri Ekimena, and Palestinarekin Elkartasuna.
The primary demand of the protesters was "the end of the genocide" in Palestine. Igor Meñika, spokesperson for Gernika-Palestina, stated that the event was "the match of the end of the genocide" and represented human rights and solidarity.
The second march, organized by Palestinarekin Elkartasuna, gathered thousands under the slogan, "Gora palestina erresistentzia! Euskal Herria eta Palestina askatu" (Up with Palestinian resistance! Freedom for Euskal Herria and Palestine). Participants, which included animation groups from various Basque and Navarre teams, marched behind banners that read "Gora Palestina Erresistentzia" (Viva Palestinian Resistance) and "Palestina askatu, Israel suntsitu" (Free Palestine. Destroy Israel). Demonstrators also chanted "Israel estatu terrorista" (Israel, terrorist state) while the noisy procession included flares and firecrackers.
Authorities deployed a strong police presence throughout Bilbao for the demonstrations and the subsequent match. The Ertzaintza (Basque Police) utilized anti-riot agents stationed across the city and a helicopter surveying the area. Organizers of the protest established a security cordon to manage the crowds along the route from Plaza del Arriaga to San Mamés.