Discover the birthplaces of some of Spain’s most famous football teams
Spain lives and breathes football. Millions of fans follow the championships, cheering on their teams from the stadiums in the best-known Spanish cities. Read on to discover the places in Spain with the most beloved football teams.
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Barcelona: FC Barcelona or RCD Espanyol?
The Sagrada Familia, Passeig de Gràcia, Montjuic Park... unique places in Barcelona that are beloved by all Catalans. However, when it comes to football, it is more difficult to reach a consensus. First of all, this city is the birthplace and home of Fútbol Club Barcelona, the quintessential blue-and-maroon-striped team. With a capacity for almost 100,000 fans, Spotify Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe. But on the other hand there is Real Club Deportivo Espanyol, the city’s other favourite club. There’s no doubt that Barcelona is football mad. Don't hesitate to combine architecture of Gaudí, the majesty of the cathedral or the charm of La Rambla Avenue with the artistry of two of the best football teams in Spain!
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Bilbao: they also play well in the north
Culture, at the Guggenheim museum. Gastronomy with the Basquepintxos. And football at San Mamés Stadium. Bilbao is undoubtedly a must-see city and the birthplace of one of Spain’s most important football teams: Athletic Club. Its fans, known as the Lions, have witnessed many exciting matches from this Basque team ever since it was founded in 1898.
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Madrid: rivalry between the capital’s two big teams
The capital city of Madrid is home to two of Spain’s biggest football teams. On the one hand, you have Santiago Bernabéu, in the middle of Paseo de la Castellana, the stadium for Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, whose fans are known as "Merengues". The team has won more than 90 different titles in Spain, Europe and other continents, celebrating them at the iconic Cibeles fountain. Just a few metro stops away you will find Club Atlético de Madrid, home to the “Colchoneros”. They play at the Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium and celebrate their victories at the Neptune Fountain, a 10-minute walk from the fountain of its lifelong rivals and the famous Puerta de Alcalá. If you get the chance, make sure you visit the must-see places in Madrid, such as the Gran Vía or the Plaza Mayor, when the two teams are facing off in a match.
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Valencia: passion at the Mestalla Stadium
Valencia Club de Fútbol is one of the most famous Spanish teams. So it’s no surprise that their stadium is packed to the rafters every time they play a match. Take the opportunity of a stroll in the evocative Neoclassical Monforte Gardens to also visit the iconic Mestalla Stadium. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the park.You should also make sure you don’t miss other incredible sites, such as the City of Arts and Sciences and the Cathedral. Get ready to discover Valencia in the most unforgettable way: combining football and culture!
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Seville: Real Betis Balompié or Sevilla Fútbol Club?
The capital of Andalusia is home to two Spanish teams that are much more than rivals: Real Betis Balompié and Sevilla Fútbol Club. The fans of these clubs, both over a hundred years old, share a passion that floods the city of the Giralda. In fact, if you stroll along the streets of Seville, just as you pass the Golden Tower you'll come across the Híspalis Fountain, where fans of Sevilla Fútbol Club come to celebrate. And if you keep walking, or take the tram, just 8 minutes away you'll reach the City Hall where you’ll find Plaza Nueva, which is full of fans dressed in green and white every time Real Betis Balompié wins another title. If you like football, Spain hits it into the back of the net. How would you like to celebrate goals in one of its impressive stadiums?
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