Sporting Gijon

Hitting the top division in 2008 after an exiled decade in Segunda, Sporting Gijon seem to be settling back into the top flight. So they should. They have a Primera-quality stadium and Primera-quality fans, and los Rojiblancos spent all but one year from 1970 to 1998 in the top flight, occasionally challenging the traditional giants.

Gijon (take an umbrella – the 'G' and 'j' are both pronounced as if clearing spittle from the throat) is one of the few places that Real Madrid's Ultras Sur fear to travel, such is the reputation of Sporting's fans.

The Ultra Boys are one of the oldest 'hooligan' groups in Spain, founded back in 1981, and make a hell of a noise. On a good day three sides of the ground join in the singing, making it one of the most atmospheric stadiums in all of Spain.

Gijon's traditional rivals are Oviedo, from the provincial capital 20km away, and the Asturias derby is one of the most passionate in Spain. Even Oviedo's utter demise, which had the Sportinguistas laughing into their cider, hasn't cooled things.

Sporting's fans now turn up in huge numbers to watch, with no little Schadenfreude, their B-team play Oviedo in the regional Third Division. They even go along when Oviedo play at Gijon-based teams, in order to stir up a bit of 'atmosphere'.

THE STADIUM
El Molinon is a 26,000-capacity all-seater, all-covered stadium which generates a great atmosphere and the club look set to rack up nearly 20,000 season-ticket holders this year. The stadium is just off the wide, promenade-backed beach, within walking distance of the city centre and 20-25 minutes from the station – a trip you'll do with riot-geared police for company if you come from Oviedo on derby day.

Club address Parque De Isabel, La Catolica, 33390
Telephone (0034) 985 167 677
Website www.realsporting.com

THE TOWN: GIJON
Though Gijon's outskirts can be grim and smoke filled due to its steel and mining traditions, its centre is cleaner and boasts superb nightlife.

TOURIST OFFICE
c/Marqués de San Esteban, (0034) 985 346 046

GOING OUT
La Ruta (near Plaza El Carmen) is the hub of Gijon's nightlife, with numerous clubs and bars.

DON'T MISS...
The Semana Negra, an arts festival held around the club's El Molinon stadium in July.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
The Torre de Gijon, a museum of Gijon's history, is also a superb vantage point to watch the sun go down.

FIESTA!
Mardi Gras – late February or early March – a week of hedonistic celebration and over-indulgence.

For regular updates on the crazy world of Spanish football, see our blog La Liga Loca
FourFourTwo.com: News • Features • Interviews • Videos • Forums