Spain · Spain La Liga

RCD Espanyol

Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol

Kit impression

Founded

1900

Years standing

126

Home ground

RCDE Stadium

Capacity

40,000 seats

The Trophy Cabinet

In 1928, Espanyol became a founding member of La Liga, and in 1929, the team won their first Copa del Rey. Espanyol has completed the highest number of seasons in La Liga without winning the title.
The team has qualified for the UEFA Cup/Europa League eight times (including the qualifications following their 2000 and 2006 Spanish Cup wins, which in earlier eras would instead have granted entry to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup).
Espanyol reached the UEFA Cup final in 1988, losing to Bayer Leverkusen of then-West Germany on penalty kicks (3–2), after a two-legged final of contrasts ended level (3–0 in Barcelona, 0–3 in Leverkusen). They reached a second final in 2007, losing to compatriots Sevilla, again on penalties (3–1) after a memorable match at Hampden Park, Glasgow ended 1–1 after normal time, and 2–2 after extra time.

Make The Case

Here is the argument for RCD Espanyol: Spain, Spain La Liga, and a ground called RCDE Stadium. A second team should give you something your first one cannot, and this is a different country's whole weather system.

Proper ground
RCDE Stadium takes roughly 40,000, big enough for atmosphere, small enough that you can learn where the singing corner is on your first visit.
Worth the journey
Nearest airport is Vitoria Airport (VIT), roughly 100km out. This is not a casual away day, which is precisely why the people who do it take it seriously.
The calendar you inherit
Following Spain La Liga means odd kick-off hours, a new commentary language and a table you will check before your own club's. Spain becomes part of your week.
Old enough to matter
1900 is the founding date, old enough that the club has survived a war, a rebuild and at least one financial scare, young enough that the good years are still in living memory.

Matchday Trip

Ground: RCDE Stadium. Go in a day early, find the pre-match pub, buy the programme.

Nearest airport

Vitoria Airport (VIT)

100 km / 62 miles from the ground

Nearest station

Burgos-San Zoles train station

Walkable from the platform

See the whole Spain La Liga →

Pulling fixtures and table…

Around the ground

Things To Do Near RCDE Stadium

Everything within a short walk of the turnstiles: landmarks, museums and the places worth arriving early for.

Landmarks within a 4 km radius

Matchday Shortlist

Opens a map centred on the ground. Two hours before kick-off is the sweet spot.

Route Planner

Getting to RCDE Stadium