Valencia

A visit to Valencia isn’t complete without immersing oneself in the exhilarating world of Valencia Club de Fútbol. Known for its vibrant orange kits and passionate fans, Valencia CF is a Spanish football institution with an illustrious history and a proud place in LaLiga.

Valencia’s Vibrant LaLiga Voyage

Founded in 1919, Valencia CF embarked on its LaLiga journey in 1931 and soon established itself as one of Spain’s top football teams. The club has won LaLiga six times, with its golden era coming in the early 2000s under the charismatic management of Héctor Cúper and later Rafael Benítez.

Valencia’s record in European competitions is equally impressive. The club reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2000 and 2001 and lifted the UEFA Cup in 2004, etching its name firmly in European football history.

Starring on Valencia’s Stage

Valencia CF has been home to several stellar talents, their performances lighting up the Mestalla and stadiums around the world.

David Villa, the Spanish striker, honed his goal-scoring craft at Valencia before moving to Barcelona and later enjoying successful stints at Atletico Madrid and New York City FC.

Gaizka Mendieta, an iconic figure in Valencia’s history, was a creative force in the midfield, leading the team to two consecutive Champions League finals.

Juan Mata, another creative midfield maestro, made his name at Valencia before moving on to play for Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League.

Valencian Rivalries: Friends or Foes?

Every hero needs a rival, and Valencia CF is no exception. The club’s most passionate local rivalry is with Levante UD in the ‘Derbi Valenciano’. These high-octane matches encapsulate the spirit of Valencian football and are always a spectacle to behold.

Outside Valencia, matches against Barcelona and Real Madrid are always highlight fixtures. The rich history between these teams guarantees fiery encounters filled with flair and drama.

On the international scene, Valencia’s rivalry with Arsenal from the English Premier League has produced some memorable clashes, especially during the 2000-01 Champions League season where the teams battled for a place in the final.

The Mestalla: A Coliseum of Emotions

The Mestalla Stadium, the oldest in Spain, has seen countless moments of joy, heartache, and sheer brilliance. With a seating capacity of over 48,000, this historic arena’s atmosphere on matchday is electric and second to none.

For the ultimate match experience, the VIP ‘Tribuna Central’ offers unparalleled views of the game, hospitality services, and the finest comfort, with tickets typically around €210.

However, if you’re seeking a mix of value and experience, the ‘Tribuna Este’ and ‘Grada Central’ offer fantastic pitch views, priced between €70-€110.

If you wish to immerse yourself in the fervor of Valencia’s die-hard fans, then the ‘Curva Nord’ is where you want to be. This section is cheaper, with tickets around €45, but the energetic atmosphere is priceless.

Being a part of Valencia CF, as a player or a spectator, is more than just about football. It’s about sharing in the history, the rivalries, the triumphs, and the spirit of a club that lives and breathes the passion of its city. From the legends that have graced the Mestalla pitch to the intense atmosphere of the stadium itself, Valencia CF truly embodies the pulsating heart of Spanish football.

Bringing it Together

• Bat Symbol: Valencia’s emblem features a bat, an animal that’s been a symbol of the city for centuries. The bat can also be found on the city’s coat of arms.
• Never Relegated: Valencia CF is one of the few teams that have never been relegated from LaLiga since their promotion in 1931. They’ve been a consistent presence in Spain’s top-flight football.
• Fastest Goal in LaLiga History: Valencia’s forward David Villa holds the record for the fastest goal in LaLiga history. He scored just 7.6 seconds into a match against Almería in 2006.
• Unfinished Stadium: Valencia started constructing a new stadium, Nou Mestalla, in 2007. However, due to financial problems, the construction was halted in 2009, and, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, has yet to be completed.
• Youth Academy Success: Valencia’s youth academy, known as “La Cantera,” has produced numerous talented players who’ve gone on to have successful careers. Notable examples include Isco, who later starred for Real Madrid, and Paco Alcácer, who played for Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
• World Cup Connections: Mestalla Stadium was one of the venues for the 1982 FIFA World Cup held in Spain. It hosted three matches in the second round of the tournament.
• The ‘Kempes’ Era: Valencia’s legendary Argentinian striker Mario Kempes, also known as “El Matador,” was the top scorer in LaLiga for two seasons (1976-77, 1977-78) and led the club to win the Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1979.