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Soccer Crazy in Barcelona
Barcelona has pioneered the introduction of sports to Spain since the end of the 19th century. This tradition has given the city a legacy of sporting clubs, some of which are a century old and enjoy great international prestige. The city leapt onto the international radar with the 1992 Olympic Games, but for the people who live here, sports are simply a way of life.
In no sport does the former statement hold more true than soccer. Barcelona is a truly soccer crazy city, and it’s no doubt the entire place will explode in wild support of their teams during this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. But Barcelona’s most avid competition comes from within Spain itself; trying to understand the intense rivalry between Real Madrid and the beloved FC Barcelona team is nearly impossible for an outsider, but it certainly makes for an exciting atmosphere.
FCB plays at Camp Nou–which translates to “our ground” in Catalan–and when team Real Madrid steps onto that field they are not just facing another team, they are facing all of Catalonia. The 95,000 fans that fill Camp Nou on game day create such a deafening party with their screams, chants and even flares, that the additional four million fans watching on TV can practically feel the vibrations.
The 2009-2010 season was historic and nearly-perfect for team Barca–their best at home in nearly 50 years (winning every home game), and leaving Real Madrid in the dust to win the coveted Spanish League title, European Super Cup and the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup. The celebration that filled the streets after the FCB triumph was unprecedented, even in this region of extremely nationalistic, passionate people.
Now, all eyes are turning to the World Cup games, starting June 11 in South Africa. As many as 14 players from FC Barcelona could play at the World Cup, split among the national teams of Spain, Argentina, Brazil, France, Mexico and the Ivory Coast. But La Roja, as the Spanish team is often known, is among the favorites to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
If you are traveling to Barcelona during that time, where are the best places to watch the games and take part in World Cup fever, you may ask? The games will certainly be the predominant topic of conversation among locals wherever you go, and the entire city will be festooned with flags and jerseys of the familiar blue and claret team colors. Getting involved with team spirit is not only fun, it gives visitors a rare glimpse into the inner life of a city.
Below we’ve rounded up some of the top sports pubs in Barcelona. As a final tip: when you’re there, it’s not “soccer.” Despite the use of the term in this article, in Barcelona it’s called football (not to be confused with American football), if you don’t want to start a riot.
The Queen Vic
Nou de la rambla 24
(+34) 933 011 267
The Queen Vic is one of the few authentic English Bars in Barcelona, where locals and tourists mingle. This friendly pub has excellent live sports coverage, and will certainly be a prime place for World Cup fever.
The Shamrock Sports Bar
C/ Tallers 72
(+34) 934 124 636
This Irish Pub provides a home away from home for many, showing all major international sporting events on a large screen TV. The food is hearty, and the selection of beers on tap is wide, though decidedly British.
George & Dragon
Diputacion 269 (at the corner of Passeig de Gràcia)
(+34) 934 881 765
This pub has a great location and lots of character, and plays all major sporting matches on one of the biggest screens in Barcelona. The menu is extensive as well.
Sports Bar
Rambla dels Caputxins 31
(+34) 933 017 507
This friendly meeting point is usually crowded, and the televisions show all kinds of sports, from soccer to basketball to car racing.
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