Valencia CF and Austin FC, two clubs united by the bat

Valencia CF and Austin FC (Texas, USA), part of the MLS in the United States, are linked by a curious history of bats that unite their cities. These bats are emblematic of the history of the city of Valencia and Valencia Club de Fútbol.

The bat has been linked to Valencia CF since the beginning of its history. This chiropteran can be found for the Valencian Club on the Valencia CF crest, being a significant symbol of the Club and nicknaming it. Not only Valencia CF but the city of Valencia itself has been linked to this animal since the arrival of Jaume I in the 16th century. The city's coat of arms also bears the bat, as it was a fundamental part of the origins of the current city of Valencia.

In the Texan city of Austin (United States), a thousand people gather every evening on the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness a tremendously extraordinary event. From March to October, almost a million bats swarm over the bridge in groups. Migrant bats live in Texas in the warmer months, arriving there from their winter homes in Mexico.

The bats roost in the concrete beams at the base of the bridge, as they have enough space and height to benefit from the warm weather.