Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
When it comes to football stadiums, it's normally the conclusion that bigger equals better. Fans take huge delight in telling rivals that their beloved team's home is bigger and can fit the most supporters in. Countries also pride themselves on having a gigantic stadium, as it helps to prove that they are a true giant in the footballing world. Plus, as we've written before here at Football Ground Map, a large stadium can create a monstrous atmosphere that can put the fear into opponent teams and help carry the home team to victory.
However, there's a saying that good things come in small packages, and could that be true for some football stadiums? With a much smaller capacity it normally means that the fans are much closer to the pitch, which means there is more togetherness between them and the players. The supporters can really then become the twelfth-man and help make a huge difference in the outcome of the match.
Here then is a quick look at some of the smallest stadiums in European top-flight football. The capacities of these grounds may be tiny, but the support is massive.
This is perhaps the most famous small stadium in European football. The Stade Louis II officially opened in 1985 and is set high up on a hill in the glitzy high-flying city of Monaco. The stadium itself has a mesmerizing pink design that sits just 18,523 supporters. It sits comfortably at home looking down on the seafront casinos and super-yachts set against the blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Ligue 1 team Monaco have used the stadium since its inception and add to the glamour with their stylish red and white shirts.
The stadium is most known for its use in the Uefa Supercup, where the previous winners of the Champions League and the Europa League duked it out to find out which side was actually stronger. Uefa decided to move the competition in 2013 away from the Stade Louis II and instead transport it to a different stadium each year. Special nights will soon again be taking place at the swish stadium though, as AS Monaco have had a fantastic year, and as reported on Monaco-Tribune, are one step closer to securing a place in the Champions League next season.
This stadium holds only 25,486 supporters for Premier League team Crystal Palace, and is more than half the size of the biggest ground in the league, Manchester United's Old Trafford, which holds a staggering 74,879. Selhurst Park, which is located in South London, was built in 1924 and has been the home of 'The Eagles' ever since. The stadium is famous for having loud, raucous fans that sit behind one of the goals in the Holmesdale Road Stand and for having great flag displays to spur on the team in the red and blue striped shirts.
Palace are a team that have done well to stay in the Premier League since they were promoted from the Championship back in 2013, and it's fair to say that their fans have helped them punch above their weight. They're priced at 400/1 to win the title next season with most online betting sites, which shows their outsider status. If you did want to have a wager on next season's Premier League winners it's always encouraging to know that the site you choose is a reliable one. Over at SBO.net they've amassed a list of the top recommended bookmakers in the UK. Plus they have all the information needed on the best free bets and sign-up bonuses, which will help your money go further.
SD Eibar were promoted to La Liga back in 2014 and this teeny club from the Basque Country of Spain managed to hold their own against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Their stadium, named the Ipurua Municipal, only holds a minute 8,164 supporters. Yet what they lack in size they make up for with noise, as their followers are regarded as some of the most fanatical in the league.
The stadium itself was opened in 1947 and is beautifully surrounded by rolling green hills and masses of trees and shrubbery, making it a real picturesque place to take in the beautiful game. Unfortunately, the team performed not as beautifully on the pitch this season and will be relegated from La Liga. However, with those fans, we're sure they'll be back to battle the titans of Spanish football in no time.
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