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Catalunya Edges Palestine 2–1 in Barcelona as Palestinian Team’s First European Tour Raises Funds for Gaza

The fixture doubled as a fundraiser for Gaza relief, with Palestinian officials framing the team as nonviolent resistance to the war’s toll.

Overview

  • Catalunya beat Palestine 2-1 at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, drawing 30,018 spectators in a match staged after Palestine’s weekend appearance at a full San Mamés.
  • Organizers said ticket revenue and the Act X Palestine campaign proceeds will be directed to humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
  • Pre-match tributes featured roughly 400 white shirts laid out on the pitch and Palestine coach Ehab Abu Jazar presenting his kufiya to Catalunya coach Gerard López.
  • Palestinian football authorities report that organized sport in Gaza has been halted since 2023, citing more than 400 footballers and 800 athletes killed.
  • The national team relies largely on players from the diaspora and the West Bank, with only a handful from Gaza who departed before the war, as leaders use the tour to highlight civilian suffering.