Reading's promotion push has gained a unique boost from a group of Basque supporters who formed their own club after playing as the Royals on a video game. The amateur side, named EuskoReading, finally met the real players and watched them secure a 2-0 victory over Barnsley last Saturday, fulfilling a long-held ambition. The win was part of a recent run of three wins and two losses in their last five matches, putting the team on a two-game winning run.
EuskoReading was founded two years ago by friends in northern Spain who spent hours playing as Reading on FIFA 07. Iñaki Ruiz explained how the connection began. "We decided to just create a tournament and to choose randomly the teams, and actually, in my case, I ended up with Reading," he said. The group was so taken with the club's history and blue and white hooped kit that they formed their own local team in its image.
Their goal to watch Reading live was achieved last weekend. Héctor del Corral described the experience as "unbelievable", adding that they had "the opportunity to meet and talk to some players" after the final whistle. The visitors were also given a signed home shirt and presented the Royals with their own EuskoReading flag.
Promotion hopes strengthened
The match they witnessed provided a significant lift to Reading's League One campaign. The 2-0 win, with both goals coming in the second half, was a timely result. It moved the club up the table and kept their promotion aspirations firmly alive. Reading currently sit sixth in the standings with 21 points from 12 games, just four points behind leaders Huddersfield. Their record of six wins, three draws and three losses is underpinned by a strong attack that has scored 25 goals while conceding 13. The team's form has been mixed with three wins and two losses in the last five outings, following results that included a 5-1 win over Milton Keynes Dons and a 1-0 loss to Wigan.
Top scorer J. Marriott, with eight goals this season, is a key reason for the club's strong position. The team's next challenge is a key away trip to face fifth-placed Plymouth on Saturday, 31 October.
Future visits planned as tradition
Del Corral stated the group are sure Reading will achieve promotion and have pledged to make their visit an annual tradition. They hope to return later in the season as the Royals continue their push for the top spots. This unique fan initiative, born from a video game and cemented by a live matchday experience, adds a fresh layer of community engagement to Reading's season. The club now looks ahead to the Plymouth fixture, aiming to build on their positive momentum and two-game winning streak.
The report in full is at bbc.com
