Beyond the emotion that is unleashed in each of its matches, LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION are, in turn, the setting on which countless stories are written that go beyond the pitch. Both in the case of Sergio Ortuño and Mitxelo Olaizola, their dedication and loyalty have contributed to increasing the feeling of belonging and the militancy of their parishes, and has made them two of the most beloved and endearing figures for the fans. from CD Eldense and Real Sociedad, respectively.
For Ortu, football is not just a sport, but an inherited passion that has accompanied him throughout his life. Born in the Alicante city of Elda, Sergio has been a first-person witness and protagonist of the resurgence of his beloved CD Eldense. A shirt, the azulgrana, that he has proudly worn in the club's victorious relaunch in LALIGA HYPERMOTION after 60 years.
A banner that has been part of the Ortuño history for several generations: from his grandfather Elios, who also rose with the shoe team in the 56/57 season, to his father Alfonso Ortuño Gil, who held the presidency at more difficulties of the shoemaker entity and whom he accompanied on his first trips as a fan. “My love for the Eldense CD starts from when I was born”, he affirms.
More than 700 kilometers away, in the Real Sociedad locker room, Unai Olaizola keeps intact the legacy of his father, Mitxelo, tireless soul of the team for almost four decades. “I have been a worker at the club for 37 years. The Royal Society has meant everything in my life ”, he maintains. First, as a gardener, and later as material manager for the San Sebastian first team. Hence, his history has been written alongside some of the great emblems of the recent history of the txuri urdin club; players he has pampered, such as the Turkish international Nihat Kahveçi, who celebrated his goals with a very special dedication: a kiss on the cheek from Olaizola.
His work over the course of two decades as a kit man went far beyond making sure that the footballers had everything they needed ready. Whether it was in the booth of the sports city of Zubieta or in the locker room of the Reale Arena, Mitxelo also became "almost a father" for many youngsters whom he taught to believe in their possibilities and in his talent.
It was precisely that determination so characteristic of the LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION professionals that prompted Sergio Ortuño to make that childhood dream of succeeding in the team of his love come true. “I never imagined that I would be part of the squad that would return to LALIGA HYPERMOTION”, he admits. But beyond the victories on the pitch, what really excites him is seeing how the team has united the city and "the feeling that has been awakened this season." "It had never happened here before," he adds without hiding his satisfaction.
The essence of LALIGA is manifested in the passion felt by the fans of LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION for their respective clubs. From Elda to Gipuzkoa. Thanks to the performance of professionals like Mitxelo Olaizola who, far from the spotlight, make it possible for other professionals like Sergio Ortuño to proudly defend their shield and their soul colours. Stories like yours show us the strength of our football. Much more than a sport, a legacy that is shared from generation to generation, and a shared passion that creates a bond as unbreakable as it is indescribable.
