Let's face it, football (known as soccer in the U.S.) is the most popular sport in most European countries. While football and baseball dominated sports headlines in the U.S., European football garners all the attention of European sports enthusiasts, particularly in Spain.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture is to become knowledgeable of the new culture. Although you can not learn everything about every place they visit, spending a little time learning about the country's passion can go a long way in making a good impression and a few new friends on holiday. Football is a great sport to learn on as it is an easy way to strike up a conversation with almost any Spaniard. To help, here are the basics you need to know about football in Spain.
First of all, football is the most followed sport in Spain. In the same way in which rowdy fans cheering passionately for their preferred football team in the United States, football fans in Spain do the same. Spend an afternoon in a professional soccer game in Madrid or Barcelona and you'll quickly learn just how passionate fans can be.
Liga de Futbol Professional (Professional Football League) is one of the most successful leagues in Europe and is divided into two sections. top, ultra-competitive division called the Primera Liga and is made up of top football clubs in the country. The league currently includes teams such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club de Bilbao, Atletico de Madrid and a few other clubs.
Segunda Division's second tier league in Spain. However, do not be fooled thinking that the league is any less exciting to watch. Segunda Division consists of 22 teams fighting for a place ion Primera Liga. action is hot and the stakes are high as the teams fight to advance to upper division.
First visit to Spain, it would be a good idea to watch the headlines to get updates on the progress of teams in the Champions de futbol. Note the top teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona as they are the most loved and controversial clubs in the leagues. match-up between these two teams is similar to that when the NY Yankees and Mets battle it out in the subway series. You can easily start a conversation, or argument about the merits of each of these football clubs with just about any Spanish football fan.
Whether you're a big sports fan or not, attend a football match in Spain will help you connect with the culture in a way that the tour can not. Add a little knowledge about the sport on this experience and you will feel more involved and in touch than you would otherwise.
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