We will deliver the report for the 5th day of the Spain-Portugal expedition, which is being held from Apr 3 (Mon) to Apr 12 (Wed).
On the fifth day of the expedition, Thursday the 7th, we had a late dinner and went to bed after the match against Sporting CP yesterday evening. We checked out of the hotel at 4 AM and headed to our next destination in Spain, San Sebastián. First, we went to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport. In the local TV programs and news over the past few days, there has been a lot of talk about the match on Friday the 7th, known as 'O Clássico' in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, between SL Benfica and FC Porto. A female cleaning staff at the airport even approached me, saying, 'If Benfica wins today, the league championship will be closer!'
In addition, players and staff wearing FC Tokyo gear are often seen being approached by locals and tourists everywhere during their trips.
We navigated through the crowded airport filled with people from all over the world, boarded the plane, and after about an hour, returned to Madrid-Barajas Airport in Spain for the first time in four days.
Then, from here, we head north by bus towards San Sebastián, traveling about 5 hours through Spain. Along the way, we will have lunch at a service area with magnificent views.
We arrived at the accommodation after 5 PM. After a walk and dinner, we prepare for the tournament starting tomorrow.
Through this expedition, the athletes who compete globally are experiencing the long hours of travel, changes in dining environments, and time zone differences, truly understanding the importance of conditioning. They will connect everything they feel during the expedition, not just on the pitch, to their growth.
The tournament participating this time is the historic '37th Real Sociedad U-17 International Tournament', with the participating teams being FC Tokyo U-18, Real Sociedad, Real Madrid CF, RC Celta de Vigo, CA Osasuna, and the Mohammed VI Football Academy.
In the evening, representatives from each team gathered at Reale Arena, the home of Real Sociedad, for a club introduction presentation, followed by an opening ceremony at night. After that, we were guided through the stadium, witnessing the facilities such as the dressing rooms, the space where players eat before and after matches, the media room, and the lounge.
Please give your warm support to FC Tokyo U-18, who are fighting on the world stage.
Please check here for the latest information about the tournament and match broadcasts.
https://twitter.com/RealSociedad_JP
