From the San Mamés to the Mestalla thrives a land, where the sun sets late and buzzing football noise echoes through the lively calles and vibrant alleys. In Spain, the passion for football transcends the boundaries of mere fandom. In Madrid, Barcelona and every village in between, the spirit for fútbol runs deep in one’s soul.
Wrapped in white robes, Real Madrid has been at the pinnacle of football for almost a whole century. The multitude of fame and accolades has shaped entire generations, right up to today. Iconic tales have been told, and players immortalized themselves in the heart of Spain’s capital. The Game Magazine spoke with someone who is right there, up close on the sidelines of the legendary Santiago Bernabéu, Alejandro Pérez Poza.
This country within a country has long been the breeding ground for Spain’s top stars, but so fiercely proud are the Basque Country's two biggest club sides that they are unique in world football. The Game columnist Andy Murray explains how.
Atlético de Madrid had not won a La Liga title since 2014. Nor had anyone else except Real Madrid or FC Barcelona. With Real Madrid beating FC Villarreal in a simultaneous match, the title would have gone to them had Atlético tied or lost to Real Valladolid.
A shift in hierarchy, a scandal, a pandemic and many tears -- last season of La Liga took us for a ride. Now with the loss of big names like Messi and Ramos, fans flocking back to the stadiums and fresh new rosters, there is a lot to be revealed in the 2021-22 season.
It is a unique trick to make a photograph of the most prestigious trophies in club football – four Champions League cups, 10 La Liga crowns, seven Copa del Reys and more – project an aura of humiliating failure. But that is what Barcelona managed when they shared an image on social media, showing the full collection of Lionel Messi’s achievements, after the club’s greatest ever player was clumsily shoved out the door.
IMAGO Weekend Roundup. In the week the US ushered in a new President and era; the weekend saw the Dutch PM condemn corona riots as “criminal”, countries reaching emergency virus point and rallies in Russia protesting the arrest of Alexei Navalny.
