MAYOR MIĆIN AND THE SPANISH AMBASSADOR ATTEND EL CLÁSICO SCREENING AT THE NOVI SAD FAIR

The Mayor of Novi Sad Žarko Mićin and the Ambassador of Spain Juan José Sanz Aparicio attended a live screening of the Real Madrid vs Barcelona match held at the Aula of the Master Centre at the Novi Sad Fair. The event was also attended by a large number of Novi Sad residents. Organised as part of the “Novi Sad – European City of Sport 2026” project, the event was jointly hosted by the City of Novi Sad and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain, in cooperation with Spain’s professional football league “La Liga”, Arena Sport TV and the Novi Sad Fair. The occasion also marked 110 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Spain.

- This year, Novi Sad proudly bears the title of European City of Sport. That recognition did not come by chance. It is the result of many years of investment in sports infrastructure, dedicated work with young people, and support for sports clubs. Sport shapes generations. It is far more than a game – it is a school of character. When speaking about the connection between Novi Sad, Serbia and Spanish football, it is impossible not to mention the great Vujadin Boškov. A native of Novi Sad. A legend of Football Club Vojvodina. A man whose knowledge, dignity and football wisdom left an indelible mark on European and world football. He managed Real Madrid, won trophies, and served as a bridge between Serbia and Spain long before we began speaking about European integration, cooperation and connectivity. That is why tonight, as we watch the match between two great Spanish clubs together, we proudly remember that a man from Novi Sad was part of that great history. Serbia and Spain are connected by sincere friendship, mutual respect and a closeness built over decades. Relations between countries are strongest when they are built among people – through culture, sport, education and youth. I believe that events such as this will continue to bring our nations together, and that Novi Sad will remain a place of encounters, dialogue and positive energy in the years to come - said the Mayor.

Ambassador Aparicio highlighted the importance of sport and football in Spain, as well as the contribution of Serbian athletes and experts to Spanish sport, and the cooperation between the Embassy and the City of Novi Sad in the fields of culture and sport.

The audience was also addressed by Sandra Sremčević, Vice-President of the Football Association of Serbia, and Tatjana Medved, Member of the City Council for Sport and Youth.

As part of the event, sports clubs and organisations were presented alongside a cultural and artistic programme. A Serbian-Spanish football glossary, prepared with the support of Spain’s professional football league “La Liga”, was also showcased, followed by informal networking among representatives of sports institutions and organisations.

Novi Sad, 10 May 2026