Levante UD will visit the Abanca Balaídos Stadium this Sunday, and for Hugo Sotelo, it won't be just another match. The player will experience for the first time playing in the sky-blue stadium wearing a jersey different from that of the Galician team.

The footballer, who has recovered from the sprain in his right knee that kept him off the pitch, admits to feeling much better. “It was a small scare I had a couple of months ago. I've been working with the group for several weeks now, being included in the squad and available for the coach,” he explains.

A return to the team's dynamics that he has approached with special motivation. After several weeks away from daily activities, the footballer acknowledges that returning to the field was an extra boost, as the coach mentioned in one of his recent press conferences. “When you come back from an injury and step onto the pitch with boots for the first time, you want the coach to see you doing well, to give your best, and in my case, he's right. When I came back from injury, that week things went quite well for me in training, and I hope it’s always like that,” he notes.

Beyond preparing for the match against RC Celta, the Levante dressing room has also experienced difficult days following the passing of Jesús de Miguel. The midfielder acknowledges that the news had a strong impact on the group and extends his support to those closest to the deceased player. “It’s been a tough week. We were deeply affected by the passing of a fellow professional. From the Levante family, we send all our strength to his friends, his family, his wife, his daughter…,” he expresses.

In sporting terms, Levante UD has the opportunity to secure their first away win of the season. A victory that would also allow the Orriols team to surpass Celta in the standings. The player considers it would be a very important result, though he warns of the difficulty of visiting the sky-blue stronghold. “It would be very good for us. It would be the first victory away from home. It’s going to be a tough match; we know it’s difficult to play there. Last year, Levante UD played a very good match at Balaídos and came away with the win,” he recalls.

For the footballer, the match will also have an added emotional component. His status as a player on loan from Celta makes the visit to Balaídos a unique occasion, as it will be the first time he plays a match in Vigo wearing different colors. “It’s going to be my first time playing in that stadium with another jersey. It’s a special week for me, but I’m very happy to experience it and looking forward to the match,” he concludes.

Below, you can see Hugo Sotelo's statements.