CA Osasuna

When former Liverpool striker (and now Spanish TV pundit) Michael Robinson heard that Osasuna were interested in signing him back in 1987, he pulled out a map of Spain and began searching for a town by that name.

In fact, he should have been looking for Pamplona (or, in Basque, Iruña), for the region's third Primera Division side are based in the town famous for bullfights, Ernest Hemingway and a week's alcoholic chaos during early July.

The name Osasuna actually derives from the Basque word for 'cheers' and is the traditional salute before raising a glass – so any visitor is clearly onto a good thing, especially in the streets around the bullring.

A town of just under 200,000 inhabitants, Pamplona boasts the impressive Cuidadela, a gigantic 16th-century fortress on the south-west of the old town surrounded by a gorgeous deep green park, but the football fan is more likely to spend their time in the lively Plaza del Casillo before making the trek to Osasuna's El Sadar stadium, an arena every bit as intimidating as the Cuidadela.

Roared on by its passionate following, Osasuna play a more physical brand of football than most. El Sadar has become a notoriously tough place to visit in recent seasons; even more so if you're Real Madrid – the side Osasuna fans love to hate.

When Madrid come to town you can be assured of 90 minutes of blood and thunder. With the emphasis very much on the blood...

THE STADIUM
The 20,000-capacity El Sadar is a long walk from the city centre, down Avenida Zaragoza, crossing the river, and turning down Calle Sadar. Opened in 1967, it's far from modern, but it's particularly tight and, with the stands allowing the fans to get next to the pitch and right on top of the action, the Osasuna faithful are able to heat the atmosphere to boiling point. One of the best, most English, football experiences in Spain.

Club address c/El Sadar, s/n 31006, Pamplona
Telephone (0034) 948 152 636
Website www.osasuna.es

CITY GUIDE: PAMPLONA
Pamplona, the capital of Navarra, is a big town yet most sights are situated within 10 minutes of the centre. Built as a fortress protecting Spain from northern invasions, it's  encompassed by high, intimidating walls to this day.

TOURIST OFFICE
C/Eslava 1, (0034) 948 206 540

DON'T MISS
Adrenaline junkies should visit during the Fiestas de San Fermin in July when angry bulls with big horns will chase you down a 1km course.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
If not up for the bull chase, you may prefer a swim in the open-air public pool outside Portal de Zumalacarregui.

FIESTA!
July 6-14, San Fermin. The running of the bulls plus other celebrations. Find out more at www.sanfermin.com.

For regular updates on the crazy world of Spanish football, see our blog La Liga Loca
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