The ix memorial santiago rueda is set to be held on Saturday, 17 October, at 18:00 in Pinilla, offering free entry to the public as a tribute to the club's long-serving delegate. The event will see the Asociación de Exjugadores del Club Deportivo Teruel compete against the Asociación de Exjugadores de la Real Sociedad.
This match aims to celebrate the legacy of Santiago Rueda, who was well-loved by players and fans alike during his tenure at CD Teruel. Jesús Artigot, the Sports Councillor for the Teruel City Council, introduced the event alongside Ángel Martín Aranda and Pedro González, both former players of CD Teruel who are involved in the organisation and remain committed to the veterans' team.
Artigot highlighted the significance of this year's opponent and expressed gratitude to Teruel Automotion, the match's sponsor. He encouraged local residents to attend the event, stating, “There is nothing better than going to Pinilla to watch that match.”
Ángel Martín Aranda, who has coached the Teruel team for many years, emphasised the importance of keeping the memorial alive in memory of Santiago Rueda. He noted that organising the match against Real Sociedad required considerable effort due to the veterans' numerous sporting commitments. Originally scheduled for June, the match was moved to October to accommodate the Donostiarra team and coordinate the use of Pinilla with the first team of CD Teruel.
Aranda acknowledged the sporting calibre of the rival team but assured that the Teruel players are determined to compete, as they have in the previous eight memorials. He also called for fan support to ensure an enjoyable afternoon of football.
The Real Sociedad delegation will be led by Pichu Gorriz, president of the Veterans Association and a former player who made 599 appearances for the first team. Miguel Fuentes, another ex-player and former club president, is also expected to attend. Although the final list of players has not yet been confirmed, it is anticipated that between 18 and 20 former players will participate, including Roteta, Zabala, Gorkabrit, and Vaquero.
Pedro González highlighted that the memorial provides a unique opportunity for former Teruel players to don the club's jersey once more and face off against seasoned footballers. He expressed the excitement surrounding each edition and the sentimental value of the match for those who shared a dressing room with Santiago Rueda.
In past editions, the CD Teruel veterans have faced notable teams such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and the Spanish national veterans' team. González assured that the players will once again strive to deliver an entertaining spectacle and encouraged fans of all generations to attend the match at Pinilla.
The organisation noted that the memorial coincides with other sporting and festive events in the city, including the Día del Peñista and a match for the first team of CD Teruel in Villarreal. Nonetheless, they emphasised the uniqueness of this event, which will feature former top-flight players and, in some cases, internationals.
The ix memorial santiago rueda will therefore take place on Saturday, 17 October at 18:00 in the Pinilla stadium. Entry is free, and attendees will have the option to contribute voluntarily by purchasing raffle tickets for prizes, with proceeds going towards the event's organisation.
