Gameday at last – off to the Estadio Vallehermoso

We “walked over” relatively early. We were actually hoping to get in earlier. But after all, it was the Bravos’ very first game. We were expecting a bit of chaos (we were later proved wrong). We then met up with Tom (Thomas Mummert), whom we had met via the “Rhein Fire” travel WhatsApp group. We wanted to go for a drink together before we were allowed into the stadium. On the way around the stadium, we witnessed the arrival of the Dragons from Barcelona… at least some of them. We had already spotted a few Dragons at the airport the day before. But the majority of them actually arrived in several small minivans at the same time. So we were able to take a few cool “arrival” photos in front of the entrance and have a few conversations. A cool coincidence. We then went to a small bar around the corner and could already spot fans of both camps there. We then went to the press entrance when it was time. As I said, a new franchise, the first game, and we didn’t really have many expectations. But we were totally wrong.

We received a more than friendly welcome (shout-out to Nacho) and were fully equipped by those responsible. Vests in DIFFERENT SIZES!
We haven’t had that anywhere else. Yes, sure, it might not sound that important. But for people my size, it’s a real blessing. So we got our vests, which were still all packed. We should/may keep them for the next time. There were also classic badges to wear around our necks. And the madness … a printout with the roster of both teams. Sadly, we had never seen this before in the ELF. You could get some of them or there were far too few of them in the press room. But right at the entrance… fully equipped and instructed. That was really great. We felt immediately welcome.
We then climbed a few steps and stood on the quite spacious path at the top of the stadium. Everything was beautiful, well-kept and clean. It was really impressive how beautiful the whole stadium is. If you want to find the fly in the ointment, or the hairs in the soup, it would probably be:
– The field itself is relatively far away and there are extensive grounds between the field and the stands (not a huge problem for us now, of course).
– The stands on the sunny side are hefty. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to book seats there in the summer. The Barcelona fans didn’t mind 😉

The tour at the top takes you to the really nice power party. That’s also different here. We’re not (unfortunately) talking about thousands of fans storming the party and going crazy. That’s why the party area is a little smaller. Really pleasant in relation to the visitors. You’re not standing on each other’s feet, but you don’t feel like you’re alone either. Lots of little games, cool music and the elegant, bright, white and clean look make you feel like you’re in a club in Ibiza. Really well done! In addition, there are friendly people at every game who are happy to explain, show and help you. There are also a few Bravos players at the party itself. Primarily the injured ones, but also other players who really enjoy taking the time to talk and take photos with the visitors. I think we’ve fallen a little bit in love with this nice, friendly franchise with its welcoming culture.

As for the game itself, there are plenty of people, even at Foot Bowl, who write much better game reports than we could. But we can contribute a few “best of” photos.
But we also got to know a few colleagues there (like Roberto) and were actually supplied with water by the Bravos. We were also asked quite often if everything was OK… it was brutally hot that day. But we were immediately pampered.
The number of spectators was limited, but for a summer game in Madrid and the fact that the Champions League final was taking place on the same weekend, the organizers were probably quite satisfied.

Well, not quite yet. As always, we edited and sent some photos straight away and relaxed a little at the same time. It was definitely exhausting in the heat.
From 9 pm, we watched the UEFA Champions League final 2024 between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in Spanish. And immediately afterwards, we heard the Madrilenians celebrating in the neighborhood.