Match -
Barcelona 3-1 Atletico Madrid
(Sunday 12th January 2015)

My first ever experience of football abroad was mesmerising. The club’s multi national fan base along with the novelty of being at one of Europe’s largest football stadiums created an opportunity to experience a strong footballing comradeship. People from all over the world ascended to the Nou Camp to witness sporting royalty.

I loved the Nou Camp and felt like I was at home. For people who are passionate about football and strongly believe that sport is a focal point for pleasure and enjoyment, then visiting the home of Barcelona is an absolute must. The stadium was a picture of history and rich sporting culture that has captivated the imagination of millions of people around the globe.

As I left my hotel and walked down the main road leading to the stadium, it’s grand structure kept rising and started to dominate the clear and crisp Spanish air. The ground is positioned on a slope which meant the corporate end of the arena gave the illusion of the stadium being half its real size.

The end in which I sat provided a much more accurate perception of how large the Nou Camp is and how imposing the steep structure is for any visiting teams. The infrastructure looks like it has been untouched for over half a century, which provides a refreshing nostalgic feel when compared to modern structures.

The inside of the ground was breathtaking. Entering the Nou Camp is a moment I will treasure for ever and strongly believe will never be eclipsed. As I took my seat at the very top of the main stand, the bright lights of Barcelona city centre provided the ultimate back drop for the show.

I loved the friendly and mellow atmosphere which created a relaxing tone to really appreciate the majestic quality of the two teams participating. There is no tribal or animalisitc tone to the crowds in Spain which means anyone can enjoy football in sweet comfort.

If you want to experience football in a different country then you must consider visiting the Nou Camp to witness Barcelona play. It gives a different perspective on football fan bases and provided insight to contrasting cultures when it comes to being a supporter.