The Valuable Sport Of “Fútbol” In Spain. How One Leganés Vs Real Betis Soccer Match And Fan Legitimizes The Importance Of Fandom And Culture.
- Eric Stoller
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
Fútbol in Spain unites their teams and fans like no other sport does. The energy is exuberant, the culture is valued, and the competitiveness between rivals are fierce. These three elements are constantly present throughout various regional clubs and individual fandom all throughout Spain. Here is how a Leganés and Real Betis battle (Regional Clubs) and the perspective from one passionate Spanish soccer fan (Fandom) attests to this passion and admiration this sport integrally possesses.
Fútbol matches never seem to disappoint in Spain. On Sunday, March 16th, this theory had been confirmed, as Leganés (6-9-13) hosted Real Betis (12-8-8) in an afternoon match at Estadio Municipal Butarque. Betis entered Sunday’s play, riding a two-game win streak while Leganés looked to get back in the win column, following their most recent 1-0 defeat to Celta Vigo.
As the team and players were getting set to face-off on the field, one could argue that the ‘real’ game had already begun on the streets. By saying there was cheering, and excitement would be understatements. Over an hour prior to the “official” start of play, the level of energy outside the stadium had already been rocking intensively. Bars were to their fullest, roads were crowded, and the fans were roaring…. for both clubs… everywhere!
It is fair to say that Spanish fandom is not all about winning and losing, instead revolves around engagement and supporting. Real Betis exemplified this by their pre-game road march on the adjacent streets surrounding the venue, led by authenticity, respect, and dedication from their fan base. Though, this was notably controlled.
Once the game got underway, the rooting and energy had not let up even for the visiting Real Betis supporters. Whether there was minor, moderate, or heavy action happening inside the match, the crowd was involved and engaging through exuberant cheering, gestures, and emotional statements. For example, an associated aspect of Leganés fandom is the association between fans and the team’s mascot, Super Pepino. Super Pepino made his appearance on the field, provoking engagement from the fans.
Leganés drew themselves up a 2-0 lead on two consecutive Dani Raba goals, leaving Leganés fans comfortable at their seats. Despite trailing, Real Betis fans were just as comfortable. The loudness became louder, and the support grew even more supportive.
When Real Betis would later tie and take the 3-2 lead, the Leganés fans still overcame their frustration and sadness, resulting from the comeback, by continuing to remain highly engaged, confident, and cheerful within their respective fanbase. Both teams stayed put in their seats until the game clock time fully ran out for Real Betis 3-2 victory, never letting up their fandom expression. Though, at the end, Leganés fans had been visibly saddened by the hard-fought defeat.
Now…. Who is Sonia Formoso?
An individualized fandom perspective was spoken about by an Education First Study Abroad field director and passionate Spanish soccer fan, Sonia Formoso. Sonia had been asked for her opinions regarding her personalized and observed fandom beliefs, rituals, and interpretations that relate to Spanish soccer. Sonia touched upon the various tendencies and engagements that resonated to her, sparked excitement or frustration, and even the arousal of historical and new components that each play roles within the Spanish soccer fandom, in her responses to my questions asked.
#1- Sonia’s Observations Of Spanish Soccer Fandom
Sonia’s Response:
Sonia mentioned how both political and social connections balance out the general soccer fandom for many clubs and people. For example, she mentioned how bars are always fully packed before games, people are gathered, and quality time is spent among each other prior to the games. Especially games such as Real Madrid and Barcelona gain the highest attraction and conversation leading to the big game.
#2- How Fandom Is Shown On Game Day?
Sonia’s Response:
She observed how the excitement by fans always builds up, in anticipation of the match beginning.
The second part of her observation was the social element of fandom which entails fans gathering live at the bars and hosting engaging conversations about the match.
In addition to those live interactions, Sonia also touched upon how the media is a pivotal component of observed fandom when there are matches being played in. She mentioned how the reading of the newspaper is another way this “social fandom” can be so-called recognized. For Leganés, the specific newspaper of Marca is one of the primary sources in which fans interact with that “media” component and obtain updated information
From the overall conversation, Sonia provided helpful, detailed, and valued input on how fandom is acknowledged and engaged in, by the varying regional clubs of Spain.
Overall:
Upon reflection, it was not about the game results but more regarding the cultural demonstration that I had the opportunity of experiencing. Unlike the United States, the fan behaviors were regulated, and the fandom rituals differed from America’s style of rooting. The sport of soccer may be widely recognized around the world, but nothing will ever beat Spanish Fútbol.
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