Sports
Valencia Victory Highlights Emotional Return of Diego López’s Family

VALENCIA, Spain — Valencia CF secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Sevilla on April 11, 2025, thanks to a pivotal assist from Diego López, marking a special day for both player and family. The win, which is Valencia’s third consecutive victory, brought them closer to European qualification.
Diego López, who provided his fifth assist of the season during the match, almost added to his goal tally with a near miss alongside teammate Hugo Duro. Despite not scoring, López’s contributions solidified his status as one of Valencia’s standout players. “It’s a big step in the table,” López said after the match, emphasizing the importance of remaining focused and not becoming complacent.
López’s performance was made all the more meaningful with the presence of his family, who traveled from Asturias to witness him play. His mother, Sonia Noguerol, expressed her joy in a video shared on social media. “Seeing my son play in front of so many people is a dream come true for him,” she said, her pride evident. “He has worked so hard for this moment, and I couldn’t be happier for him.”
The game was a culmination of years of sacrifice for López and his family, who had frequently been unable to attend matches due to their commitments at their bar, ‘El Descanso,’ which closed recently. “It’s our first time seeing him play this year, and we can’t express how proud we are of his journey to the top,” Sonia shared during an interview.
During the match, López’s parents took some time to reflect on their son’s growth as a player. “Seeing Diego grow from afar has been both rewarding and challenging,” Sonia said. “The journey since he scored against Real Madrid in 2023 has been incredible. This week, we simply want to enjoy being together, free from the worries of running the bar.”
After the match, the Valencia players were in high spirits, eager to continue their positive momentum as they look to secure their place in European competition next season. Team captain Hugo Duro noted the team’s focus on collective success, stating, “We’re just taking it one game at a time. It’s important to stay grounded and keep pushing for results.”
The relationship between López and Duro is also strong, as both players support each other’s contributions on and off the field. Duro added, “It’s great to have Diego on the team. He works hard, stays humble, and continues to improve every day.”
Looking ahead, Valencia CF will seek to build on this victory as they prepare for their next match. The team’s confidence is high, and López’s emotional connection to his family serves as additional motivation.